Rockets owner: Team's decision to part with Melo 'surprised me'

Count Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta among those who were caught off guard by his team's decision to move on from Carmelo Anthony after just 10 games last season.

"You know, it's really unusual because I never really got a chance to meet Melo but all I heard is what a gentleman he was and that he was going to play whatever part or role on the team that the coaches wanted him to play," Fertitta told SNY's Ian Begley. "And basketball ops decided to make a decision and, you know, it kinda surprised me, too, as a fan of the Houston Rockets."

Fertitta wasn't going to dispute his front office's opinion on the 10-time All-Star, though, despite the fact that he thinks Anthony is "one the greatest players to ever play the game."

Anthony averaged 13.4 points with 5.4 rebounds in just under 30 minutes per game during his short stint in Houston. He's yet to latch on with a new team for the upcoming campaign.

Still, Fertitta doesn't think this is the end of the road for Anthony.

"Let me tell you, there's a bunch of teams and I guarantee you if there's 150 starters for the 30 teams that Carmelo Anthony is still one of the top 150 players in the National Basketball Association," he said.