Carmelo Anthony was almost out of the league earlier this season. He was doing media rounds on ESPN and pleading his case to teams willing to give him another chance. Melo’s fallout with both the OKC Thunder and the Houston Rockets meant that most teams had moved way past Carmelo Anthony on their team.
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However, as the Portland Trail Blazers saw much of their front-court depth be whittled away due to injury, some friends created the perfect match. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum had tried to coax Melo to Portland before, but he passed due to how far west it is. But as there were no other teams lining up for him, joining the Blazers seemed like the perfect move. It’s worked out, with Melo having a decent season and showing everyone that he wasn’t even close to retiring.
Melo buried a three-pointer against former team Houston to help Portland beat them in their quest for the 8th seed. With the injury to Jaren Jackson Jr. in Memphis, this may be their best opportunity to make a run. Damian Lillard gave props to Carmelo, simply saying he’s a Hall of Famer in his post-match interview.
Carmelo Anthony buries the huge triple to help the Portland Trail #Blazers defeat the Houston #Rockets 110-102#NBA#RipCity#OneMission#HOUvsPOR pic.twitter.com/gEjkuGwSzL
— BasketballBuzz (@basketballbuzz) August 5, 2020
“I mean he’s a Hall of Famer.” 🔥@Dame_Lillard reflects on Melo’s big shot and impact as a teammate. pic.twitter.com/Tin8ZQgvzr
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) August 5, 2020
Carmelo Anthony and his Hall of Fame career?
Many players from across the league have hailed Melo for having the comeback he has had this season. He has been exceptional in the bubble, meshing well alongside the returning Zach Collins and Jusuf Nurkic. Considering how people thought Melo was on the verge of retirement, a lot has been said about his credentials as a Hall of Famer.
Anthony is a former scoring-champion and one of the best offensive wings of the last generation. Like LeBron James, he is in the 17th year of his career. This is despite Melo also having a college career where he became a champion. Melo is yet to experience any substantial success in the post-season, one of the biggest arguments against him.
They really tried to cancel Melo
— kuz (@kylekuzma) August 5, 2020
Really tried to it!!! https://t.co/nds5AnPneQ
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) August 5, 2020
Stay Melo bro
— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) August 5, 2020
Said it a million times — Melo always delivers. #BlazersBaby
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) August 5, 2020
There should be no doubt that Carmelo Anthony is a Hall of Famer. Even if he retires ringless, his achievements over 20 years in basketball are enough to make a strong case for him. His career averages are 23.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. He has been named to six All-NBA teams and is a ten-time all-star.
