Carmelo Anthony has expressed his desire to continue playing in the NBA at age 35, but the 10-time All-Star is still without a team as the 2019-20 season is in full swing.
Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets reportedly had expressed mild interest before the season had started, but why isn't Carmelo playing?
Well, Anthony is no longer the All-Star player he once was, and only played 10 games last season, but he could still provide value to a team as a role player off the bench—although there are reports he may be resistant to that.
Here are some teams that should consider signing Anthony:
New York Knicks
Carmelo Anthony walks off the court at Madison Square Garden in 2017.
Getty Images
This seems like a no-brainer. Anthony admitted to TMZ he would welcome a return to the Knicks. The team is already up in flames just 10 games into the season—with reports of David Fizdale’s job on the line. Anthony can still shoot and keep the team competitive while serving as a veteran presence for the younger, developing talent. Plus, one last hurrah at the Garden could energize the fan base and would be a fitting way — short of a championship — for him to end his career.
Golden State Warriors
Carmelo Anthony looks to make a play on Draymond Green.
USA Today Sports
Kevin Durant is gone. Steph Curry is likely out for the year, and the same goes for Klay Thompson. They are the worst team in the Western Conference through the first 12 games of the season and may be in full tank mode. They are, however, in a new arena and have tickets to sell. Why not sign Anthony and let him run loose and do his thing while the team tanks? It could make tanking fun.
Washington Wizards
Carmelo Anthony chats with John Wall during a game.
USA Today Sports
Much like the Warriors, this would be a signing purely to keep the team entertaining amid tanking as John Wall recovers from a torn Achilles. Isaiah Thomas has been vocal that Anthony should be on a team, and perhaps it would be best to be his teammate. The two together would generate plenty of scoring while their suspect defensive play keeps the tank in full effect.
Philadelphia 76ers
Carmelo Anthony expresses his displeasure with a call while on the Rockets.
Getty Images
If Carmelo Anthony is fine with a bench role on a team that is a legitimate championship contender, then the 76ers are the perfect fit for him. But is he a fit for the Sixers? WIP’s Andrew Porter recently laid out why it makes sense, pointing to bench scoring depth and veteran presence, but also the Sixers’ offensive woes to start the season. The team ranks toward the bottom of the league in points and points off the bench. If there’s one thing Anthony can still do, it’s score.
Miami Heat
Dwyane Wade gifts Carmelo Anthony his Heat jersey.
Getty Images
With the emergence of rookies Tyler Herro and Kendrick Nunn, this may be less likely a fit, but you can never have too much depth, especially if either rookie starts to cool off. Anthony would be an ideal scoring option off the bench. He would have to accept playing 10 minutes off the bench, if that, and Pat Riley would have to look past his anemic defense to get something done.
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