ESPN is in the process of ranking NBA players, and it recently unveiled its list of players from 51-75. The most notable and surprising member of that group was New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, who checked in at No. 64 on the list.
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Los Angeles Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball was one spot ahead of Melo on the list, and ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith is furious at his own network for having Melo so low and behind Ball.
During First Take on Wednesday, Smith went on a rant where he called out ESPN for the "garbage" list.
"Everybody, just because we all work at ESPN together, don't believe that we all believe the same things," Smith said. "We do have independent personalities, and you're looking at one. This poll is a disgrace. It's an embarrassment. As far as I'm concerned, the damn network should be ashamed for having the poll. Who the hell came up with this list? Because they clearly know nothing about the game of basketball.
"I don't want to hear some stuff about some garbage criteria that you could come up with. There are 30 teams in the NBA. By putting 63 players ahead of Carmelo Anthony, you are saying that at least two players on every team is better than Carmelo Anthony."
Anthony wasn't too pleased about the ranking either, and he took to Twitter to defend himself.
Carmelo's numbers have dipped in recent years, but he's still an elite scorer. It's hard to imagine there are 63 players in the NBA better than him at this point, so it's understandable why Smith is so fired up about it.
Melo is no longer one of the best players in the league, but having him behind Lonzo Ball is laughable.
(h/t For The Win)
