HOUSTON – The Rockets are 4-7 to start this season and the experiment with Carmelo Anthony had not worked out as the team had hoped.
In 10 games, Anthony is averaging 13.4 points per game and shooting only 32 percent.
Multiple reports nationally indicated the team was in talks with Anthony regarding his role. One report indicated the team would part ways with Anthony but General Manager Daryl Morey shot that down Sunday afternoon at Toyota Center.
“He’s sick tonight. There’s a lot of unfair rumors going on about him. He’s been great with us. His approach has been great and has accepted every role coach has given, starting or off the bench. We are struggling as a team,” said Morey.
“Disappointed how we are playing. I am, Tilman (Fertitta) is. We are getting back on track. I like how we are playing especially with the shots we are getting. Just looking at everything since the start of the year, we like how things are trending.”
“Lot of players came up to coach and said I need to play better. I need to look at how I can improve the roster. The team needs to see how they can play better. We have a healthy environment right now. We are talking about everything. We are way off where we thought we would be.”
Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni also spoke with the media Sunday and said that Anthony is not to blame solely for the team's slow start.
“It’s definitely not his fault. This is something Daryl exploring his options or whatever and they’ll work it out but definitely unfair to him,” D'Antoni said.
“We’ve gotta start winning and get back on track. We have not played offensively even half a good game. We haven’t had a 60 point half or a 35 point quarter.”
He said the consensus amongst the team is simple, they haven’t been shooting well despite a roster full of great shooters.
“It’s just a matter of making shots more or less I think we’re getting good looks. Rhythm is good. We gotta just wait until it clicks.”
When asked about the rumors D’Antoni said that distraction is not the issue, “The problem is that we can’t shoot the basketball.”