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Where Will Carmelo Anthony Land? (Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Mid-September, Carmelo Anthony is still a free agent.
In many ways, it’s not surprising. he is 38 years old, box plus/minus The last 5 years have been near replacement levels ( In other wordsaround that of a bench player or an end-of-bench player).
But if you narrow the review down to his last two seasons, there’s reason to believe Melo is still a useful player, especially on the attacking side.
His numbers since the start of the 2020-21 season show a remarkable turnaround. After recording just 294 minutes in the 2018-19 season, Anthony seemed on the verge of dropping out of his NBA completely.
But in his last two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers, Melo posted 19.2 points and 2.9 3s. per 75 items in inventory while shooting 39.1 percent from deep.
That kind of shot from a 6-foot-7 forward can really loosen things up for the offense, especially if the opposing big is assigned to defend him. There are some teams that benefit from stretch 4 games of 15. -20 minutes.
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Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Back in August, new york postof Brian Lewis .
Shortly thereafter, HoopsHype Michael Scott “Despite another report about the Nets considering Dwight Howard and Carmelo Anthony as free agent additions, Brooklyn is currently not interested in adding either veteran.
Still, despite a shaky track record of active players making their own team’s roster, we can see where the KD is coming from (assuming the first report is correct).
Brooklyn recently signed Markieff Morris, but the frontcourt still feels a little thin. You can use shoots at people.
Anthony is able to deliver it in a limited amount of time, and given the recent endurance of Durant, Simmons and Morris, Melo may find himself playing a little more than expected.
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Earlier this offseason, ESPN’s Bobby Marks called a reunion with the New York Knicks “Anthony’s best option.”
Looking at the current depth chart, it’s easy to see why.
Julius Randle was terribly negative impact He shot just 30.8 percent off 3 in the points lead over the Knicks last season.
When it comes to Knicks centers, Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein are certainly good, but they’re not floor spacers either.
Thrashers like RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and Jalen Brunson could make life easier if they at least had the option to put floor spacers in the frontcourt.
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Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images
The Chicago Bulls are another team that could use a little more three-point shooting.
2021-22 they finished 29th In leagues of 3 per 100 possessions. If they want to threaten a top 10 offense, they may need to turn up the volume from there, and Melo can help.
Among the players with at least the same number of records in the last two seasons: six Matches or beats both Anthony’s marks in 3 and 3-point percentages per possession.
In a lineup where DeMar DeRozan picks teams outside of short and middle range, being able to pull the defense out to the perimeter with an outside shot like that could do wonders.
With few other options on the roster to play 4 right now, Anthony could get 15-20 minutes per game there.
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Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Continue report After Danilo Gallinari tore his ACL while competing in EuroBasket, the idea of Melo taking on the role began to gain traction on social media.
this week, boston globe‘s Gary Washburn said it sounded like a real possibility.
“Anthony may be the best shooting forward left on the market and this is starting to pick up steam as he has shown to be offensively productive despite his age.” washburn I have written. “Anthony wants an opportunity to win a championship and this could be his best chance.”
The Melo may be four years older than the Gallo, but production was comparable in 2021-22.
Andy Bailey @Andrew Bailey
2021-22 Carmelo Anthony
18.4 PTS, 5.8 REB, 3.0 3P, 1.4 AST, 1.0 BLK, 0.9 STL per 75 positions, +1.3 rTS%, -0.6 EPM, -2.5 NetRtg (+2.0 swing)< br>
2021-22 Danilo Gallinari17.0 PTS, 6.8 REB, 2.5 3P, 2.2 AST, 0.3 BLK, 0.6 STL/75 poss, +1.3 rTS%, -0.3 EPM, +2.8 NetRtg (+2.4 swing)
And if there’s a team in the league that’s equipped enough to cover Anthony’s defensive shortcomings, it’s the Boston Celtics.
Gallinari was signed to improve his spacing and possibly help Al Horford’s legs on occasion.
