We missed you so much, Melo. We may like to crack jokes at your expense but that's only because you're worth it.
On Tuesday night, he made his Houston Rockets debut in Birmingham, Ala., against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Despite a start with his new MVP wingman that was, well, how do I put this politely…?
Harden/Melo chemistry looks good early pic.twitter.com/KLdfCeIhr9
— Rob Perez (@World_Wide_Wob) October 3, 2018
… Anthony had himself a solid night in just 23 minutes of play.
- 13 points (4-8 FG, 3-6 3PT)
- 4 rebounds
- 2 steals
Two of his 13 points came when he passed on a 3-pointer, stepped inside the arc, and elected to shoot a long, open 2.
Is that a natural play for pretty much any basketball player on Earth? Absolutely.
Normally this wouldn't be a big deal. But that is a NO-NO when you play for the Houston Rockets — a team that wants to shoot 3s and layups/dunks only.
It's no secret at this point, but, if there were ever any doubters about the Rockets' offensive philosophy, Melo just silenced them in one preseason game.
Also, don't forget: This is the franchise whose GM, Daryl Morey, despises poor analytical shots (long 2s) so much he even once experimented forbidding them altogether with the Rockets' G-League affiliate.
That chart is BAFFLING, and is just a microcosm of what the Rockets' practices probably look like behind closed doors.
As soon as Melo made the shot, he knew he messed up and APOLOGIZED TO THE ROCKETS BENCH[ Exclaiming: "my bad!"
Melo apologizing to the Rockets bench for taking and making a long two. Perfection. pic.twitter.com/rucHqSSX40
— Rob Perez (@World_Wide_Wob) October 3, 2018
That's got to be the first time I've ever seen someone say sorry for taking — and making!! — a wide open jumper.
Following the game, Melo explained what he was thinking during the play and why he looked at the bench:
— Rob Perez (@WorId_Wide_Wob) October 3, 2018
"That's just who I am. If I got it, I'm going to shoot that."
Never change, Carmelo Anthony, you are perfect just the way you are.