Chris Paul says lack of respect for new Rockets teammate Carmelo Anthony is "incredible"

The Houston Rockets did not have the best off season, but they certainly had the most interesting. Almost all their movements – there were a lot of them – had at least a few people who were scratching their heads. Most often talked about these movements was the acquisition of Carmelo Anthony.

The former All-Star signed with the Rockets as a free agent after an interesting summer during which he was involved in a three-team deal that sent him from the Thunder to the Hawks, who later renounced it. But if the Rockets are perhaps excited about this addition, the general reaction of fans and analysts has not been as enthusiastic. Apparently, Anthony's teammates take note, as recently commented Chris Paul, the lack of respect that Anthony gets is "incredible". Via ESPN:

"Obviously, I'm a bit biased because he's one of my closest friends," said Paul at Houston training camp during an appearance on ESPN, The Jump. "But, you know, the lack of respect that is sometimes blamed on him is amazing, you know what I mean? So for us, having one of the best players to have ever played the game in our team, Is obvious.

"I think we just hooped," said Paul. "I think it was a good thing to bring in different players who played in different systems, Hell, me last year, I went into a different situation, I saw him." [Mike D’Antoni] had talked about it. But it's different from playing in the system.

"With Melo, we just skate, you know what I mean.If you're open, you shoot it, otherwise you succeed, you dribble – it's a fun way to play basketball. "

Now, the Rockets have signed Anthony for the veteran minimum after the Hawks abandoned him, so there is not much risk for them. In theory, Anthony will play a role similar to the one he's played so well for the US team on the international stage, playing the role of support player who can systematically overthrow open jumpers as his teammates create for him.

However, that was the role everyone was considering for him last season at OKC, and we all saw how that happened. Anthony exceeded his peak and had the worst season of his career. He only shot 40% of the field and was sometimes totally unplayable for the Thunder in the playoffs.

Although jokes are being launched against his crime on social media, most critics seem legitimate. It's just not as good as last season, and the Rockets should not expect it to be a player that will make a difference, especially not against the Warriors.