Carmelo Anthony is not accustomed to being a fan favorite in road arenas, but that is exactly what he has become since signing with the Portland Trail Blazers earlier this season.
Anthony, who was without a team for a year before joining the Blazers in November, is hearing cheers when his name is introduced all over the NBA, and he is appreciative of the newfound support:
“I’ve been on the other side of that, too, where it’s not cheers. It’s boos. I appreciate it. I accept that. I cherish that,” said Anthony, according to Michael Lee of The Athletic. “I take in these moments. Try to appreciate all of these moments. Going to all of these arenas. I think for the most part, it’s deeper than basketball, when it comes to me and my fan base, my support system.”
Even better, Anthony has shown he can still be an effective player in the league. Through 21 games (all starts) with the Blazers, Anthony is averaging 16.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals over 31.4 minutes per game while shooting 43.2 percent from the floor, 41 percent from three-point range and 80 percent from the free-throw line.
The Blazers star also recently scored 26 points in a loss to the New York Knicks earlier this week to the delight of his former home fans at Madison Square Garden.
The 35-year-old had been out of basketball since last November when he was benched by the Houston Rockets and then traded to the Chicago Bulls in January before promptly being waived. Anthony owns career averages of 23.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
Next up for Anthony and the Blazers is a matchup against the Miami Heat on Sunday.
The Blazers currently sit at 15-21 on the season are ninth in the Western Conference.
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