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Carmelo Anthony‘s time in the “Big Apple” has not been ideal by any stretch of the imagination. The perennial All-Star has had to deal with everything from former team President Phil Jackson throwing him under the bus, to mind numbing personnel decisions that have done nothing but reduce the once proud Knickerbockers into a laughing stock. So it comes at no surprise that hometown kid may be looking elsewhere. With that being a likely possibility we look at the best fits for the prolific scorer outside of Gotham.
4.Cleveland Cavaliers
Pros: The most obvious benefit for the star forward landing in “The Land” is it makes them once again the immediate front runner in the east and the favorite to reach the finals. The Cavs are by far the easiest past to the promise land for a player who has only left the first round once.
Cons: …On the other hand the defending Easter Conference Champions front office is in shambles. They cast off their GM and have made barely a sound in free agency. With a LeBron James departure looming and recent reports of Kyrie Irving wanting to beat “The King” to the punch, many wonder if Melo is an attractive enough piece to keep the franchise together.
Likelihood: 10% this is not going to happen The Cavs are a circus at the top and do not have the personnel to pull off this kind of move so late in the game.
3. San Antonio
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Pros: Can you really go wrong with Greg Popovich calling the shots. If Anthony can make his way to the Alamo he would assuredly be matched up with the best coach he has ever had. He would also be a key insurance policy if Kawhi Leonard isn’t completely healthy and LaMarcus Aldridge once again fails to live up to his potential.
Cons: With the power of a great coach comes great responsibility. In San Antonio Carmelo will not be able to hide his defensive liabilities. He’s going to have get better on that side of the ball something he has failed to do consistently his entire career.
Likelihood: 20% The Spurs have the resources to work out a deal but team chemistry would be a major issue. The Olympic Gold Medalist would simply be asked to do things that are simply to paraphrase the “Blues Brothers” not apart of his repertoire.
2. Portland Trail Blazers
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Pros: Hooking up with a young Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum is a sure fire way to revitalize an aging Melo. Offensively, they would be as formidable as any trio in the league. Best of all, the All-Star backcourt wants Anthony in the Pacific Northwest. Both players have made advances toward the veteran forward on social media and being somewhere he is wanted would be welcomed change of pace for Anthony.
Cons: The only issue in Portland is wether the addition of Carmelo would make them an immediate contender. With the western conference beefing up in an attempt to hault the Warriors dynasty, there are multiple teams that could fair better than Rip City. Even with Melo it will be hard to leap frog the likes of OKC, HOU, SA, UT and and upstart Wolves team.
Likelihood: 35% They have the means and they want him the only problem is will it be enough? And are they willing to take the risk? If they can convince themselves the answer is yes on both accounts then the Melo Man could be headed to Rip City.
1. Houston Rockets
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Pros: James Harden and Chris Paul, need I say more. You combine that level of talent with the likes of prolific scorer like Carmelo Anthony and its a recipe for success. Not to mention Anthony’s familiarity with Coach Mike D’Antoni‘s style of play. Anthony would thrive in a system predicated on scoring the basketball and putting up “punches in bunches”. The Rockets would no doubt become a serious threat to the Warriors and challenge for the thrown out west with number 7 on the wing.
Cons: The issue with this potential move is the same as with all other similar scenarios involving high level offensive players. Will you have enough shots to go around? The issue of touches has been floating around since Chris Paul got into town and can only get worse if you add a career 25 plus point a game scorer to the mix. The last thing you need on a potential contender is anarchy over who’s getting the ball and how often
Likelihood: 50/50. It’s the best outcome for Anthony and the Rockets have the expendable pieces to make it happen making Houston the wing man’s most likely potential landing spot. It all depends on if the coaching staff truly believes they can make it work. If so, “Clutch City” could once again be the home of champions.