Houston, you have a serious problem. Okay, you have a few serious problems. You're a lifeless 4-7 and now Carmelo Anthony is becoming a distraction.
A day after ESPN reported that the Rockets and Anthony were discussing his role, The New York Times reported at 1:57pm PT on Sunday that the 10-time All-Star has been informed "his brief time with the team will soon be ending."
The Rockets have denied they are waiving Carmelo Anthony, but two sources close to the situation say Anthony has been informed that his brief time with the team will soon be ending. Anthony has been listed as "out" for Houston's game tonight against Indiana due to illness— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 11, 2018
Less than 20 minutes later, Rockets GM Daryl Morey spoke with reporters Sunday afternoon and denied that the team is planning to release Anthony.
Morey said he expects Carmelo Anthony to be back in the rotation when healthy. Said "we're evaluating everything." Said that applies to everyone.— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) November 11, 2018
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Morey said reports Anthony has been informed he will be released are inaccurate.— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) November 11, 2018
Does Melo still want to be on the Rockets? "I mean, you're asking the wrong guy," Daryl Morey said. "Everything I can tell is yes."— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) November 11, 2018
Anthony didn't play in the Rockets' game on Saturday night in San Antonio and he won't play Sunday against the Pacers in Houston due to an illness.
Carmelo Anthony (illness) and Gerald Green (sprained right ankle) ruled out for Rockets against Pacers tonight.— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) November 11, 2018
In 10 games with the Rockets, Anthony is averaging 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in 29.4 minutes. Anthony's 40.5 field goal percentage is the second lowest of his career, behind only last season's 40.4 percent with the Thunder.
