Carmelo Anthony and the Houston Rockets are discussing the veteran scorer's role and how the two sides might still be able to proceed together for the rest of the season, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Anthony signed a one-year deal with the Rockets in the summer after getting traded by the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Atlanta Hawks, and then reaching a buyout agreement with Atlanta. The 10-time All-Star has appeared in 10 games this season and is averaging 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 40.5 percent from the field and 32.8 percent from beyond the arc.
While Carmelo Anthony is absent with an illness tonight against the Spurs, the Rockets and Anthony are discussing his role and how they might still be able to proceed together for the rest of the season, league sources tell ESPN. Talks are fluid.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 11, 2018
The numbers have not been good for Carmelo Anthony in Houston. The Rockets' offensive rating increases by 1.8 points when Melo is off the floor. Anthony, who has always been a putrid defender, looks even worse this season on the defensive end, as he can't seem to stay in front of anyone.
The Rockets now have a net rating of -9.0 with Melo on the court and +1.8 with him on the bench.
Their defensive rating is 11 points worse per 100 possessions with him on the floor, worst of any player to play over 100 minutes this season.
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) November 9, 2018
Scout I talked to last night: "On its face, that move made no sense for the Rockets. He doesn't fit anything they do. He can't defend and loves taking midrange jumpers. That was a step in the wrong direction." https://t.co/8M2fOILsyS
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) November 11, 2018
The Rockets entered Saturday with a record of 4-6. They have the fourth-worst offense in the NBA and Anthony's iso-ball has been slowing their offense down.
Could Houston really cut Carmelo Anthony? It wouldn't be a shock to anyone considering the addition raised eyebrows in the first place. There were a few people who thought Chris Paul and James Harden would be able to get the best out of Anthony, but through 10 games, that hasn't been the case.
Follow Us
Subscribe