Amidst all of the reports of uncertainty surrounding Carmelo Anthony‘s future with the Rockets, a larger discussion regarding his place in the league itself appears to be on its way.
After being traded from the Thunder and subsequently being released by the Hawks, Anthony signed for the veteran’s minimum in Houston, where he looked to thrive in the team’s offense predicated on 3-pointers and led by two of the best guards in the league.
Unfortunately, Anthony’s offensive struggles have carried over from his lone season with the Thunder, as he is averaging just 13.4 points per game so far and knocking down just 32.8% of his 3-pointers. Anthony has primarily come off the bench but has received a sizable role due to the Rockets dealing with several injuries early in the season.
It’s not only the traditional counting stats that paint this as Anthony’s worst season, as he is posting career-lows in PER, Win Shares per 48 Minutes and Box Plus-Minus. To make matters worse, the Rockets are significantly better when Anthony isn’t on the court. Per Cleaning the Glass, the team’s defense is 9.6 points per 100 possessions worse when Anthony is on the floor.
Considering that Anthony has been a net negative when on the floor for several years and is likely going to find himself without a team sometime soon, what is his role in the league moving forward? Are there NBA teams that would be interested in signing Anthony should he be released by the Rockets?
A common response has been that the Lakers, led by another one of Anthony’s friends in LeBron James could bring him on as another shooter. However, it remains to be seen if that would be the case considering the youth and depth the Lakers have at their disposal (as well as their interest in signing him after his slow start).
Anthony will turn 35 years old at the end of this season, making it appropriate to discuss if this should be his farewell tour. Given his inability to be a capable off-ball player on offense and his dramatic defensive limitations, it’s likely that Anthony won’t find himself on a competitive NBA team moving in subsequent years.
To win at the highest level in the NBA, teams are increasingly relying on capable two-way players, switchable defenders and/or elite shooters and ball-handlers. Anthony meets none of those descriptions, as he is a throwback isolation scorer that best operates out of the mid-range.
What say you, NBA fans? Do you think Carmelo Anthony has a place in the league moving forward? Comment below with your thoughts!
If Melo would be willing I think the Pistons would be a great fit with being a borderline playoff team that’s interested in adding shooting and their weakest position is the 3. Thoughts?
Adding bad shooting won’t help Pistons.
Like I replied to a previous article, no contender is going to make Melo a focal point of their offense, and no rebuilding team is going to have him take shots away from their young kids.
He’s like AI, can’t accept a bench role, long after his effectiveness as a primary scorer has faded. CP3 is one of his closest friends, and vouched for him to Rockets management. If Melo can’t make it work in Houston, where does it work???
If anywhere, maybe Miami? D-Wade’s a buddy, and there is no true number 1 offensive option. Dark horse Sacramento if they hang around.500 long enough. They won’t have their first, and its been so long since they have made the playoffs, why not give it a shot.
That said, if he departs Houston, and is unwilling to take a bench role, that may be the end of Melo in the NBA.
I can’t c him going to the Kings. They need to keep the young guys playing and developing.
Carmelo doesnt have a place on a team, unless hes willing to accept that hes a bench player now, he doesnt grab no rebounds, no defense, yes he can score 20 pts but throwing up 20 to 30 shots. the NBA is much faster now and all teams are just running and Melo cant keep up. hes never been a team player, hes a selfish player. im a diehard Knicks fan and when Porzingis would be having a great game, Melo would take like 30 shots to get his points up so Porzingis doesnt outshine him. in OKC he thought going in like it was his team or the 2nd option after Westbrook.
I agree with greg1 on the Sacramento idea. Sell Melo on being the “face” of the franchise. He isn’t a franchise player but he will help the Kings get fans in the seats even at his advanced age. What do the Kings have to lose?
Melo has had a profoundly disappointing career. He has rarely made the teams he played for much better, and often worse.
The Sixers need shooting.
Melo’s not much of a shooter anymore. 32.8% on 3s. Philly can spend their money more wisely.
Cue up Kyle korver
Maybe the Pacers or Pelicans have room for him??? Melo needs to adjust his game but what’s the point at his age right now, might as well just retire… If he’s so desperate to win and get a ring, the Warriors might be a fit (totally kidding btw)
It’s clear he’s too stubborn to change his game. Anyone that spends money on him after getting cut by his buddies in Houston, is only trying to sell jersies. He’s done on the court.
That big3 league is where he will end up
U snitchin?
Melo has to control things to be effective. He can’t shift gears. IDK how players are allocated in the Big3 league but that might work out.
I thought he would turn it around in Houston. But, he lacks fit-in skills. His good work on national teams does not deny that theory: everyone else on those teams are coming in cold as well. In contrast, NBA teams are always building on previous years.
Melo’s last go-round.
Everywhere he goes, there he is. And losses are inevitable. Please keep,him away from LA…thx
Next team Shanghai Sharks. Next epic scoring battles with Jimmer Fredette. Can’t wait for the highlights. Enjoy the Eggroll Carmelo.
Paladin nailed it. Carmelo is: Have Chopsticks Will Travel. Cue the theme song.
He needs to shoot 38%+ from 3 on big volumes to justify the minutes.
I don’t think he’s done, he just needs to make more shots. Give him another 20 games IMO.
Miami could be a good fit as he would be the best player after Whiteside & Wade & their best wing.
Also he could go to collect a ring in GSW although playing even less than in Houston.
Indiana & Detroit could be good options also, but less playing time as well.
Boston could be a good one if some trade happens & they loose some wing players, otherwise as it is now Boston already has too many wings, hence why I think they might do a trade at some point before the trade deadline.
Definitely he wouldn’t be a good fit for Philly or Lakers.
I think he might still stay in Houston… for now
What are you on? Melo to Warriors. LOL. Indiana. LOL. With Dwayne Casey. LOL. To Boston. LOL. You’re a Philly and Laker fan, so we won’t do that. Houston is already waiving him. The players are saying he won’t be back. LOL. Philly ready to compete with the Warriors. LOL.
Carmelo is the NBA’s definition of over rated. At some point, teams will realize that and stop signing him. He needs to retire soon.
Yes he has a place. But not as a 3pt shooter or defender. Teams need a guy that can get a bucket in an iso situation. That will never change. We are talking about of the best to get a bucket and shot off inside the 3pt line in the last 15 years. The Rockets just made a move to get rid of Anderson in 2019. Thinking they could make him a 3pt shooter is absurd hes always been somewhat league average.
The only place for Melo now is to return to the Knicks and retire. It’s time to watch the sun set.