Top 3 teams that can use the 10x All-Star well
With the second half of the 2022-23 NBA season already underway, former 10-time star forward Carmelo Anthony is still unsigned. However, it’s not due to a lack of skill as the 38-year-old is coming off a productive 2021-22 season with the LA Lakers. Anthony averaged 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 0.7 steals, 0.8 blocks and 2.2 3-pointers per game while shooting 44.1 percent and 37.5 percent from three.
These stats are better than many of the players currently on NBA rosters. This led many fans to ask their favorite teams to consider giving Anthony a chance to return to the NBA.
On that note, here are three of the best potential landing spots for Carmelo Anthony:
#3 Carmelo Anthony to Phoenix Suns All-Star point guard Chris Paul and former LA Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony
Despite a win over Brooklyn on Thursday night, the Phoenix Suns have been on the decline. The team has gone just 3-12 in its last 15 games and is just 22-24 and 11th in the Western Conference.
A big reason for that is that the Suns have had to deal with injuries to stars Devin Booker and Chris Paul, who have played in just 26 and 29 of the Suns’ 46 games this season.
However, the Suns also took a big hit at the power forward position. Veteran forward Jae Crowder has refused to dress for the franchise this season as he awaits a trade. Meanwhile, young precision forward Cameron Johnson just returned from a knee injury on Thursday.
Adding Carmelo Anthony to the mix would provide the Suns with additional depth at a relatively low price. Anthony would also provide a boost to a Suns team that is tied for 19th in the NBA in points per game (112.6 PPG).
By the way, it should be noted that Paul and Anthony are close friends. Paul also recently called for Anthony’s return to the NBA (via New York Daily News’ Stefan Bondy).
“Melo is one of the best to ever play the game,” Paul said. “I’m obviously biased and I hope he’s in the league soon because someone of that caliber, with that ability, with the heart that he has and everything he’s done for the game – he should be able to get out of the field when he’s ready,” Paul continued. #2 Carmelo Anthony to Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks have dominated defense this season and rank third in team defensive ratings at 110.1. However, their offense has been deceptively bad, as they only rank 24th in team offensive ratings at 111.4. The Bucks are tied for just 19th in points per game (112.6PPG) and 18th in 3-point percentage per team at 35.5%.
Much of that has to do with the absence of All-Star winger Khris Middleton, who has played just seven games this season due to a knee injury. However, Middleton alone might not be enough to solve the Bucks’ offensive problems.
So, like Phoenix, the shorthanded Bucks could sign Carmelo Anthony to add an extra punch to their offense. The Bucks’ elite team defense would also make up for Anthony’s below-average individual defense.
#1 Carmelo Anthony to Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra
The Miami Heat is another team that has been a disappointment so far. The Heat are just 25-21 and are sixth in the Eastern Conference. It comes after they finished first in the East last season at 53-29.
Miami has had a hole in the power forward position since losing PJ Tucker to Philadelphia in free agency. Meanwhile, the Heat only rank 23rd in team offensive ratings (111.5), 25th in 3-point percentage (33.8%) and tied for last in points per game. (109.2PPG).
All of this makes the Heat a prime destination for Carmelo Anthony to come and help with their offensive struggles. Also, like Milwaukee, the Heat have a solid team defense (111.1 defensive ratings, sixth in the NBA) that can cover Anthony’s defensive flaws.
Also Read: Ranking the NBA’s Top 10 Current Free Agents and Their Projected Touchdown Spots Featuring Carmelo Anthony, DeMarcus Cousins and More
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