USA Today via Reuters
Aug 11, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony (00) holds the ball against Dallas Mavericks guard Trey Burke (32) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 11, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony (00) holds the ball against Dallas Mavericks guard Trey Burke (32) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Portland Trail Blazers were like knights in shining armor for Carmelo Anthony. After his failed stint with the Houston Rockets during the 2018-19 campaign, Anthony was absent from the NBA for a year.
It looked like his career was over, but it was the Blazers who came to his rescue and gave him a chance. The perennially grateful Melo has now found a way to repay the franchise.
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According to Shams Charania from ‘The Athletic’, “Free agent Carmelo Anthony is finalizing a deal to re-sign with the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell”.
Charania also wrote, “Anthony wanted to show loyalty to the Trail Blazers, who gave him his opportunity to return to the NBA last season. He understands what to expect in Portland, where he will play a key role on a potential contender.”
Anthony wanted to show loyalty to the Trail Blazers, who gave him his opportunity to return to the NBA last season. He understands what to expect in Portland, where he will play a key role on a potential contender. https://t.co/3AiNteh9GN
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
The Blazers were one of the top contenders last season. While Damian Lillard deserves a lot of credit for that, Carmelo proved as an integral third scoring-option to Lillard and C. J. McCollum.
And it looks like C. J. is thrilled to have Melo on board for yet another season with the Blazers.
Myyyyy 🐕 https://t.co/svhpe9yaVc
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) November 21, 2020
What does Carmelo Anthony bring to the table for the Trail Blazers?
Bringing in Melo initially had other reasons. The Blazers were looking for someone to fill for their injured players in Zach Collins and Rodney Hood. But after Melo’s incredible performance in the Bubble, the Blazers realized why they needed to retain him.
He averaged 15.4 points and 6.3 rebounds, while also bringing in quality leadership as a veteran player. The 36-year-old may not be as athletic and agile as he was before, but he is a role player when it comes to perimeter shooting.
The Blazers are doing all they can to shape a good roster this offseason in the hopes of bolstering their claim to the title. Thus, it’s possible that Melo won’t be the starting power forward like last season, but will bring valuable minutes coming off the bench in the 2020-21 campaign.
Many believe that if Damian Lillard was fit and healthy when they were playing the first round of the Playoffs, they would have given a much better fight to the Los Angeles Lakers. Do you think the Blazers have what it takes for a deeper run?
