Oklahoma City Thunder: 2017-18 player grades for Carmelo Anthony

It was a disappointing season for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and even more so for an aging Carmelo Anthony. Let’s take a closer look at his performance and what went wrong in 2017-18.

Carmelo Anthony just finished his worst season as a pro basketball player. After being ousted from the playoffs in the first round for the second time in a row, the Oklahoma City Thunder have some decisions to make.

At the top of the laundry list is what to do about Anthony going into next season. At 34 years old, he is starting to show signs of aging. His production and efficiency both declined by an alarming rate this season, as he posted career-lows in most categories.

Anthony’s massive contract is also cause for concern. Unless he opts out of his current contract (which is unlikely) the Thunder will owe him $28 million next season. He will be the highest-paid player on the roster behind Russell Westbrook. For a player who averaged 16.2 points per game on 40.4 percent shooting this season, this is obviously a terrible deal.

Anthony has scoffed at the idea of coming off the bench next season, saying “I ain’t sacrificing no bench role. That’s out of the question.” What the Thunder choose to do about this situation is up to them, but after another disappointing season for Anthony, it is clear that his window as an NBA star is closing.

Let’s take a closer look at his 2017-18 season and break down the good, the bad and the ugly. His game may be declining, but his ego is as strong as ever, and that means plenty of highlights. Never change, Carmelo.