Carmelo Anthony is overweight, seldom posts up, and chucks jump shots all day. He averages his lowest point per game total since his sophomore year and is shooting a career-low 40%. He's making 20 million dollars and is supposed to be in his prime, yet he looks like he's on his way to retirement.
Carmelo was in the low to mid 30's prior to the last few games.
See 8-15 record and the torrential flood of losses since his return. We've spent more than half a season watching games lost as he gets his shot back.
You would think that a "superstar" would have at least been practicing in the off-season and working out.
I understand that once a guy gets married and has kids - half of them stop being as professional - and start eating crap and train less. But then again Carmelo has never made that college - to pro - transition and taking his athleticism to the next level. He is physically worse off then he was coming out of Syracuse.
Its another reason why he takes so many breaks on defense, and why he gives up intermittently in-game. Walking, or just pretending to Defense. Or having to foul - because its all a chain of events - starting with his physical condition.
Its also that poor physical condition that led to injuries. Being in good shape - hitting the gym, eating right - all prevent injuries and we are seeing the 3rd or 4th set of repercussions now that he has recovered.
He may need the entire regular season to get into competitive form and be able to defend as well as ISO and burn the clock and hopefully hit 1 shot for every 2-3 shots the other team hits in the same amount of time.
* I still am rooting that he will pick up the slack and start defending from the moment he steps onto the court til he gets off it - and not the lackadasical defense and poor attempts that lead to fouls. He needs to glue or strap himself onto his man.
The different is he hasn't gained weight that does anything. Fat doesn't make him spin faster, or help him balance more in the air, or jump higher.
This is weight that has no function other then - to keep him warm. Another reason why he is having trouble dunking and isn't as explosive now. He's in mediocre shape for an NBA athlete. Another problem that it takes years of physical training for the body to mature when it comes to muscle maturity. The best he can do is lean out and lose the flab.
Don't believe me look at MJ as he entered the NBA and MJ in his final seasons with the Bulls. Lebron early on til now. Kobe early on til now. etc etc.
Guys a professional athlete being paid millions. Needs to take his work-ethic to the next level now or never. He isn't "super-star level" super-stars work harder then the pros.