Carmelo Anthony has cited embarrassment as a reason for rebounding more on the defensive end during his first season with the Thunder.
Anthony has had to make quite an adjustment in his new role with Oklahoma City. He’s playing fewer minutes and taking fewer shots as he gets used to his off-the-ball role. Apparently, Anthony has also become accustomed to hearing jokes during film sessions.
When speaking with the media on Monday, Anthony said his teammates getting on him about the number of rebounds he’s grabbing has provided motivation to hit the glass more.
Melo says he’s been defensive rebounding more because he doesn’t wanna get embarrassed in film: “I just don’t like to watch film the next day. My teammates are like, ‘Melo, c’mon. You gotta get that defensive rebound’ or ‘You had two rebounds, three rebounds. Just not acceptable” pic.twitter.com/5HuHEgqle8
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) January 22, 2018
With Russell Westbrook and Steven Adams around, rebounds aren’t always available in abundance. However, Anthony is currently third on the team in total rebounds per game (6.0) and second in defensive rebounds per game (5.2). Anthony’s efforts on the glass should keep the joking to a minimum, while helping the Thunder at the same time. Everyone finds motivation in different ways. Now we know one source for Melo, who has shown in the past he doesn’t like being mocked.
