Houston Rockets: 2018-19 NBA Season Preview

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SAN ANTONIO, TX – OCTOBER 7: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Houston Rockets watches a preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs on October 7, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. The Rockets won 108-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Edward A. Ornelas/Getty Images) /

Storyline 1: What will Carmelo bring to the table?

Will he start? Will he sit? Does it even matter?

Public opinion has not been kind to Carmelo Anthony the past few years. He and the New York Knicks never delivered on the expectations that were generated by his arrival. His one year in Oklahoma City was an awkward fit, as he stood around waiting for the ball and was unproductive when he did receive it.

Ultimately the discussion about whether or not Anthony will accept that he is no longer in his prime and take a bench role is kind of pointless. Who finishes games for the Rockets is far more important than who starts. Plus what will truly define Anthony’s time in Houston will be how productive he is in those minutes, not whether his name will be announced to start the game.

Anthony is reunited in Houston with his former Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni. Their relationship was assumed to be poor as a result of how things ended in New York, but both parties appear to be excited to be back with one another.

Stylistically, Anthony is actually a pretty good fit as a stretch four for the Rockets. The team relied on a lot of isolation offense last season and came up with plenty of creative ways to get players in advantageous one on one scenarios. Both Anthony and the Rockets seem to be planning on deploying him as a power forward, which is probably best for him at this point of his career.

Defensively Anthony is probably a wash with Ryan Anderson, although he probably has a bit more mobility. But offensively he should be able to help the Houston offense be more dynamic this season.

If the Rockets can come to an understanding with Anthony that on nights he has it going, they will ride him and on nights where he’s cold, he’ll sit this relationship should be a positive one. Anthony will have to trust that the team will put him in positions to succeed.

It isn’t a lot to ask from both sides, but it’s all reliant on Anthony’s attitude. If he wants to silence some doubters, he’s put himself in a great position to do so.

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