It’s that time of year when major news outlets rank the top 100 or so NBA players for the upcoming season, and as it goes every year, players are mad online. There’s no explanation as to why players care so much, but they always do. This year, Carmelo Anthony and DeMar DeRozan wasted no time taking to Twitter to voice their displeasure.
Carmelo Anthony doesn’t mind ESPN ranking him so low because ‘he’s his own fan’
Ok, maybe he’s a little mad.
Anthony was ranked the No. 64 player in the league by ESPN after a down year with the Knicks, and he was NOT happy. On Twitter, he wrote “Can’t make sense out of nonsense. Don’t be so blatant with the disrespect.” On Instagram, he more explicitly wrote in all caps “AS LONG AS I KNOW IM NICE, FUCK IT IM MY OWN FAN.”
Anthony was ranked No. 31 by ESPN a season ago, but the site’s real plus-minus statistic projects he’ll register a negative rating in the 2017-18 season. He’s slated one spot below Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball, and Danny Green. Robert Covington, Malcolm Brogdon are among other lower-profile names also ranked ahead.
Melo wasn’t alone. DeRozan was pissed with his No. 36 ranking in Sports Illustrated’s list. He wrote “F SI...#ProveEm” on Twitter. This isn’t new for DeRozan. Just a year ago, he was upset with his No. 46 ranking by the site, writing FOH. 46.
Sports Illustrated even wrote up a follow-up story.
Later on, C.J. McCollum added to the commentary, suggesting players should rank journalists.
Jared Dudley might actually do it!
There’s still time in player rankings season, and this story will be updated as necessary.
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