For the first time in a career now in its 16th season, Carmelo Anthony came off the bench on Wednesday. Though Anthony's place in the Rockets rotation was clear throughout the preseason, he said it is an adjustment that he needs to make mentally, with coach Mike D'Antoni understanding from personal experience that could be difficult.
"I know it's tough," D'Antoni said. "I was in a lesser position. I was in Europe. I went to the bench my last year, 39-years-old. I didn't like it. I thought it was a demotion. It really isn't. I kind of learned that.