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Reading: Carmelo Anthony On RJ Barrett: “He’s Just A Bland Player. He’s Not An Exciting Player.”
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Home > NBA News & Analysis > Carmelo Anthony On RJ Barrett: “He’s Just A Bland Player. He’s Not An Exciting Player.”

Carmelo Anthony On RJ Barrett: “He’s Just A Bland Player. He’s Not An Exciting Player.”

Carmelo Anthony takes a shot at RJ Barrett.

Nico Martinez
Jan 12, 2024
4 Min Read
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Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking on his podcast, ‘7PMinBrooklyn,’ Knicks legend Camelo Anthony gave his true thoughts on RJ Barrett, who was recently traded from the Knicks to the Toronto Raptors. Interestingly, Anthony didn’t have great things to say about RJ and tagged his game as ‘bland’ despite being a former No. 3 overall pick.

Contents
  • NBA Fans Disagree With Melo
  • A Hot Start In Toronto

“He’s just a bland player bro. That’s not a shot. That’s not disrespect,” said Melo. “It’s just like, he’s good, he get it done sometimes, but he’s not an exciting player. You don’t know if he got 4 or 26.” 

The definition of “bland” varies from person to person, but Barret would certainly not qualify as a box-office attraction. Known more for his defense, physicality, and drives to the rim, he’s never been a super exciting player to watch. And while he has his moments from time to time, Barrett has yet to take the leap into stardom, and many doubt that he ever will. Still, there is some hope that will change in Toronto this year.


NBA Fans Disagree With Melo

On social media, Anthony’s words sparked many debates among the fans, several of whom decided to make their points in the comments. Up and down the replies, fans were roasting Anthony for the take and accusing him of needlessly hating on the younger generation.

Damn, never thought I would see Melo hating on the younger generation!!

— MR BEAR 🐻🧸🐻‍❄️ (@teddy_blackmon) January 12, 2024

Whether right or wrong, many fans didn’t agree with Anthony calling out RJ like this, especially since he gave the Knicks some really good years.

Ngl this kinda seem like hating from melo, he ain’t wrong but it’s coming off as hating

— Jonathan (@hierro_98) January 12, 2024

There were some folks who tuned the tables on Anthony, using the opportunity to take a shot of their own at the multiple-time NBA All-Star.

Melo never won a title so he’s just bitter now

— pharmAziz (@pharmaziz) January 12, 2024

Clearly, the subject invokes some debate within the NBA community, but RJ will be remembered favorably by Knicks fans regardless. Since he was drafted in 2009, he’s grown and developed his game to become one of the top two-way wing players in the league. The same cannot be said of Camelo Anthony, who went out on less-than-favorable terms with the Knicks.


A Hot Start In Toronto

The best way for Barrett to prove Melo wrong is by putting on a show with his new team. With the RJ trade, the hope in Toronto was that the former Duke star would be unlocked to his fullest potential on a team better suited for his talents. Instead of Julius Randle taking control of the frontcourt offense, Barrett has a chance to take control for himself and he’s thriving in the opportunity so far. Through his first 6 games, Barrett is averaging 21.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game on 59.3% shooting.

Both RJ and the Raptors have looked better since the trade and this season could end up being a breakout campaign for the former third overall pick. As for Carmelo, there’s no taking back his words now but you can bet that the fans will have the receipts ready when/if Barrett goes on a run. For a guy who was never able to accomplish much in New York, Carmelo has to be careful with how he speaks or it could come back to bite him down the road.

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TAGGED:New York Knicks ArchiveRj BarrettToronto Raptors Archive
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ByNico Martinez
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Nico Martinez is a veteran staff writer for Fadeaway World from Brooklyn, New York. He joined Fadeaway World in 2016 and is currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina. Nico holds a degree in Sports Management from Columbia International University where he built a strong foundation in the inner workings of sports media and management. Nico's contributions have significantly enhanced the credibility and depth of Fadeaway World's content, earning him recognition across the sports journalism community. His work has been discussed in prestigious publications like Sports Illustrated. A dedicated follower of LeBron James, Nico often leads coverage on news related to the basketball star. With nearly a decade of experience in sports journalism, Nico consistently provides comprehensive and timely basketball news, engaging a wide audience of basketball enthusiasts.Nico's most desired player to interview, past or present, is Kevin Durant. He is particularly keen on asking Durant if he has any regrets about his career, especially concerning his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and why he engages so much with fans on social media. 
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