Paul George Exposes Billy Donovan’s Shocking Lack Of Plan For Carmelo Anthony In OKC
The Oklahoma City Thunder reached the top of the NBA mountain after so many years. The team had a star-studded potential MVP players (who eventually became one) in lineups built for contention. One of those rosters included Paul George, Russell Westbrook, and Carmelo Anthony, a trio with serious championship potential. But in reality, it never quite happened.
Now, George is shedding new light on why that trio fell short. During an appearance on All the Smoke with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, George revealed that former Thunder head coach Billy Donovan had no plan for Anthony because he was not even part of the original version.
“Melo sacrificed, Melo wasn’t the issue,” Paul George shared. “Billy had a plan for Russ and me, then right at the last minute, we got Carmelo. So now Billy’s like, ‘I don’t know how to incorporate him. Y’all were my two guys, Melo’s just gonna have to find his way.’” The revelation undercuts the long-standing belief that Anthony’s unwillingness to adapt is the root of the Thunder’s struggles that season.
Paul George says Billy Donovan had no plan for Carmelo Anthony in OKC:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 19, 2025
"Melo sacrificed, Melo wasn't the issue. Billy had a plan for Russ and I, then right at the last minute, we got Carmelo. So now Billy's like, 'I don't know how to incorporate him. Y'all were my two guys,… pic.twitter.com/KDD6FKjxdn
Anthony, then 33, posted career lows in scoring and efficiency. He averaged 16.2 points on 40.4% shooting and felt the team after just one season. Despite public criticism, George made it clear that Anthony was willing to adjust; he did not get the support to do so effectively.
Did Billy Donovan’s Poor Planning Surpass The OKC’s Trio?
Donovan’s lack of preparation for integrating Anthony may have doomed the trio from the start. Anthony himself voiced frustration in 2018 as he often received talks about taking a bench role, which he was not ready for. But he did not sacrifice his role.
While Carmelo Anthony eventually accepted a bench role later in his career with teams like the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Lakers, the failed Oklahoma City Thunder experiment remains a clear example of mismanagement.
Without a proper game plan from the coaching staff, even high-level talent struggled to survive.
Paul George Exposes Billy Donovan’s Shocking Lack Of Plan For Carmelo Anthony In OKC
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