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Through the first week of the season, it has been an ongoing adjustment period for All-Star guard Carmelo Anthony playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
One noticeable part of this has been shot selection as he has chosen to take several long two-point field goal attempts in the first few games. According to Fred Katz of the Norman Transcript, Anthony stated that this has been a product of the spots on the floor he has been found on from passes from teammates.
Here's Melo explaining why he's been taking a bunch of long 2s: pic.twitter.com/pNBX5P8u7J
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) October 24, 2017
“I would rather not take a long two, but I got to shoot the ball if I'm open regardless of where I'm at. Once I get the feel of playing with these guys and Russ not getting mad at me when I pass up a shot then I will be good. As for the long twos, I rather shoot that then take another step back then another step forward if I'm open I rather shoot it at that point in time.”
The 33-year-old has seen much of his offensive production come from mid-range as he has taken either a pull up jumper or catch-and-shoot attempt on 41.5 percent through the first three games. At the same time, this has come primarily as a result of playing alongside Russell Westbrook and Paul George, which has opened more space for him on the floor to get better looks at shoots.
It is something that will take time for him to get further acquainted with playing alongside his new teammates while also getting used to being the third scoring option on a team. Keep in mind, he had been the No.1 score on any team he has played on for much of his career, which resulted in him having to work more to get less-challenged shot attempts.
This may just be a matter of time before he is able to better situate himself on the floor in order to put himself in more productive spots to score.
