Even though Portland didn't make much noise in the 2020 postseason, it was great to see Carmelo Anthony rejuvenate his career as a role player. He may not have been the player that he once was, but it would be foolish to say that he wasn't an impact guy.
Carmelo Anthony averaged 15.4 PPG and 6.5 RPG while shooting 43% FG and 38% from three. He was a spark on the offensive end for Portland this year, showing that he can still add value to a playoff team even at age 35.
With Melo hitting the open market, here are a few teams that I think he would fit really well with in NBA free agency.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
Carmelo Anthony knows the Lakers are coming off an incredible 2020 championship run where they had immense offensive firepower. LeBron and Anthony Davis were dominant in the Lakers' run, however, they did seem to lack consistency at their small forward/power forward position. Markieff Morris and Kyle Kuzma played that role for the Lakers this postseason and they weren't very effective.
Kyle Kuzma: 10 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 0.8 APG, 43% FG, 31.3% 3FG
Markieff Morris: 5.9 PPG, 3 RPG, 1 APG, 44.9% FG, 42% 3FG
If there is any position that the Lakers could improve on, it's the forward position.
Carmelo would also just be an excellent positional fit for the Lakers. He is still an effective catch and shoot player who rebounds the ball well. LeBron James led offenses are predicated on shooters making shots along the perimeter. Carmelo's role would be carved out nicely.
Plus it would be nice to see part of the banana boat crew back together. Get Melo to LA!
2. Toronto Raptors
The Raptors were one win away from making the conference finals this year. It was evident that they were lacking a go-to scorer down the stretch. Carmelo Anthony could have been one of their main scoring options down the stretch when they needed a basket.
Next year, it's expected that Pascal Siakam will bounce back, but the Raptors could still really use some extra offensive firepower. Carmelo Anthony would be a perfect fit.
The Raptors run a spread half-court offense with plenty of ball movement and shooters along the perimeter. Carmelo Anthony would thrive in a role as a strict catch and shoot player on this Toronto team.
With Gasol off to Spain and Ibaka's future with the Raptors up in the air, Toronto is in desperate need of a forward who provides defensive rebounding and shooting. Carmelo probably wouldn't start for the Raptors, but having a veteran presence who can still score the ball efficiently could propel the Raptors back to the NBA Finals. Carmelo Anthony could soon be north of the border!
3. Denver Nuggets
Carmelo Anthony played some incredible basketball at the beginning of his career in Denver. Young Melo stuffed the stat sheet and provided countless incredible highlights. He was a pleasure to watch then, and it would be a pleasure to see him finish his career with Jokic and Murray in Denver.
The Nuggets showed the world what they were capable of this postseason. They came back from 3-1 twice and knocked off the heavily favored LA Clippers in the process. When the Nuggets eventually came up short, it was most because of their inconsistency at power forward.
Michael Porter Jr: 11.4 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 0.8 APG, 47.6% FG, 38.2% 3FG
Paul Millsap: 8.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.2 APG, 39.8% FG, 34.1% 3FG
Torrey Craig: 4.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 0.7 APG, 42.3% FG, 26.2% 3FG
Carmelo Anthony would not only add more consistency on the offensive end, but also stretch the floor with his outside shooting. If Melo can keep up his efficiency as a catch and shoot player, he can be very successful in a system where Jokic and Murray can create open shots for him.
The homecoming of bringing Carmelo Anthony back to the Nuggets would be nostalgic and fitting. Don't be surprised if you see Melo team up with Jamal Murray and the Joker next season.
4. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have been very disappointing over the last few years. They have yet to make an NBA Finals despite back-to-back seasons with the best record in the NBA and back to back MVP seasons from Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks have lacked depth and offensive fire power throughout their playoff struggles. That could be solved by Carmelo Anthony.
If the Bucks decide to move Middleton to the shooting guard position, Carmelo Anthony can play his natural position, small forward, and add rebounding and shooting to the Bucks' front court. Middleton also gets moved to his natural position and the Bucks add size to their starting lineup.
Carmelo Anthony to the Bucks is not only realistic, but effective, even after the Jrue Holiday trade.
Overall, it's great to see Carmelo Anthony back in the league making an impact. Still at age 35 he is one of the most dynamic offensive players in the league. Regardless of where he ends up, let's just appreciate the the pure skill from one of the best scorers the league has ever seen.
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