Detroit Pistons spark plug Derrick Rose had plenty of praise for Portland Trail Blazers forward and former teammate Carmelo Anthony, having spent the 2016-17 season with him during his lone stint with the New York Knicks.
Since the two went their separate ways, Melo has had two tough stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets — both as the third option that mired him as a mere sharpshooting option. After being away from the hardwood for a full calendar year, Anthony has bounced back with a new opportunity after the Blazers came calling.
Rose is happy to see his former teammate thriving again:
“Melo has been playing great I think has been a plus and it is great to see him out there. I don’t get a chance to talk to him, but he is from Baltimore and he is a tough guy, ” said Derrick Rose, via Landon Buford of Heavy.com. “He knows this is a huge opportunity not only for him but for anybody that didn’t the opportunity and the ones trying to get back in the league. He is an example of if you keep working on your game and you get a crack and once you get that crack you have to run with that opportunity.”
Anthony is averaging 16.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists through 29 games with the Blazers, helping them remain in the race for the eighth spot in a caustic Western Conference.
Portland has been able to take him in and make the most of his skill set, with no predetermined plan to convert him into a player who doesn't fit his mold. He has shown an affinity for rebounding and playing defense, which has given the Blazers a boost at his position.
At 35 years old, Carmelo Anthony is showing it's possible to earn a shot to return to the NBA, one many like Derrick Rose feel he has always deserved.
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