The Portland Trail Blazers have made a number of moves in an effort to get back to the top of the Western Conference next year.
However, general manager Neil Olshey believes one move stands out above the rest. Olshey said Monday re-signing Carmelo Anthony was a crucial move from a cultural perspective:
“Probably the most important thing for us, honestly,” Olshey said, via Sean Highkin of Bleacher Report. “What he does for our spirit.”
The Trail Blazers officially re-signed ‘Melo on Sunday, though the terms of the deal are unknown. Olshey also expanded on what Anthony's role could be with the Blazers next season.
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Portland welcomed Anthony back to the league last season, and the former scoring champion rewarded the Trail Blazers with steady production.
Anthony averaged 15.4 points and 6.3 rebounds while soaking up valuable minutes in the frontcourt in the absence of guys like Zach Collins and Jusuf Nurkic. He also shot 38.5 percent from beyond the arc on nearly four attempts per game, providing value as a floor-spacer capable of catching and shooting with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum slashing to the cup.
The Trail Blazers are suddenly deep on the wing. Portland also brought back Rodney Hood, and they traded for Robert Covington. Plus, Olshey nabbed one of the top defensive wings in Derrick Jones Jr.
Despite all that, Olshey feels Anthony is the most important piece to the puzzle. Carmelo provided the Trail Blazers with a certain energy in a season that could otherwise have been deemed lost. Portland fought back to earn a playoff berth, with Anthony in particular showing renewed effort on the defensive end and professing his love for the franchise.
The Trail Blazers are ready to make their move, and Olshey feels retaining Anthony will give Portland more moxie as it strives for greater things next season.
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