Amid criticism from Royce White, Channing Frye defended Jared Dudley of the Los Angeles Lakers by calling the latter a great teammate.
Via Twitter, Frye responded to White's comments, noting that they ‘come from a place of ignorance.' Frye also said that Anthony — who has yet to find an NBA team — deserves another shot.
So all the comments about @JaredDudley619 I think come from a place of ignorance since they come from people who have never been in the NBA. JD is a winner and a even better teammate. Melo deserves a chance but don’t bash a guy who has earned his place.
— Channing Frye (@channingfrye) August 21, 2019
White, the 16th overall pick in 2012 who played in three games in the NBA, made some controversial remarks in defense of Carmelo Anthony but at the expense of Dudley. For White, it was a foolish move by the Lakers and LeBron James do choose Dudley over Anthony — a future Hall of Famer and a close friend of James. Per the Fanatics View via NBA on ESPN:
“How is [LeBron] letting his banana boat buddy wait out there in the wings? And they go sign Jared Dudley and not Carmelo.”
“If anybody watching this thinks that Jared Dudley can hold Carmelo Anthony’s jock strap, I’ll slap you.”
"How is [LeBron] letting his banana boat buddy wait out there in the wings? And they go sign Jared Dudley and not Carmelo."
–Royce White on why he thinks Melo is being blackballed. (via Fanatics View/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/rjq5WQ2XdV
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) August 20, 2019
Avid fans of Anthony share White's comments. After all, it makes perfect sense that Anthony would join his Banana Boat buddy with the Lakers. But basketball isn't simply about friends. It's about getting guys who can perfect co-exist with one another.
Dudley, given his veteran savviness and efficient 3-point shooting, is a perfect fit to a Lakers team led by James. Anthony, for his part, may have a hard time adjusting to a different role other than a team's superstar. This is something that teams are cautious of. And it may be the primary reason why the 10-time All-Star hasn't found a team yet.
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