Carmelo Anthony played only 10 games for the Houston Rockets in the 2018-19 campaign, averaging 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting just 32.8 percent from beyond the arc.
He didn’t fit well in Houston and didn’t get along with James harden and Chris Paul. Head coach Mike D’Antoni wasn’t too interested in giving Anthony a more significant role. Anthony has been a free agent for several months now, and although some NBA experts believe his days in the league are over, there are still teams who could snap up the forward.
.@carmeloanthony working on options off the catch. #FreeMelo pic.twitter.com/kl7CF4CJG9
— Alex Bazzell (@alexbazzell24) August 4, 2019
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat were strong candidates to get Anthony last summer, and they are also in the mix this time around. James Johnson, who is currently the backup power forward in Miami, struggled in 2018-19, and Erik Spoelstra could use Anthony as a primary backup option. He could provide critical points off the bench, but the big question is whether Carmelo would accept a complementary role.
Milwaukee Bucks
A potential roster spot for Anthony opened in Milwaukee following Nikola Mirotic’s departure, and the Bucks could use Anthony as floor-spacing power forward. That would give more space for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo to operate in the paint. The Bucks are legitimate contenders this year, and if Anthony doesn’t take away possessions from Giannis or Khris Middleton, he could fit well in Milwaukee.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers are another NBA contender in 2019-20, and their backup power forward is currently Mike Scott. Anthony is undoubtedly a better player even though he is in his mid-30s, so the 2013 NBA scoring champion could help create room for Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons with his shooting, making life easier for the two All-Stars in the process. Anthony could also get minutes late in games as he could definitely help with his experience now when Jimmy Butler left to Miami.
Los Angeles Lakers
We know that Anthony is good friends with the Lakers superstar LeBron James, and James would welcome him in Los Angeles with open arms. The two of them never played together at the professional level, and this could be their opportunity. Kyle Kuzma recently talked about working out with Anthony during this offseason, and he would also welcome Anthony to the Staples Center.
“Anthony said he reached out to the Lakers about playing for them next season. “Melo is easily better than half the league right now,” Kuzma said. “There’s no question about it. He should be on a team right now. He’s still one of the best players. The slander people throw at him is something I don’t really understand. Maybe that’s just the way today’s society is right now. It would be great to see him in L.A., but I don’t make those decisions. That’s up to Rob [Pelinka] to make those decisions as far as what he thinks is best for the Lakers. He’s done a great job so far putting this team together.’”
Carmelo Anthony is a role model for Kyle Kuzma, this means Kuzma will provide bad leadership, not make teammates better and focus on isolation ball. That's the "Carmelo influence" https://t.co/dfag2JpuYJ
— Ben Maller (@benmaller) August 3, 2019
