NBA
Why Melo In Miami Works
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, its been first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Royce Young that the Oklahoma City Thunder are parting ways with All-Star Carmelo Anthony. Many teams have been rumored to land Anthony with their franchise such as the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets, and the Toronto Raptors. But joining the Miami Heat makes the most sense for the 16-year veteran.
Anthony’s shooting game is what he’s known for rather than his lack-luster defense. But last year with the Thunder, Anthony posted his career-worst in scoring (25.2 points per 100 possessions), facilitating (6.4 percent assist rate), shooting (50.2 percent true shooting percentage, 76.4 percent from the free throw line) and efficiency (12.7 player efficiency rating). Even after having a sub-par 2017-2018 season, Carmelo still believes he should be a starter in the NBA and refuses to come off the bench.
Miami Needs Melo Just As Bad As Melo Needs Miami
Miami finished the 2017-2018 regular season with 44–38. However, they clinched the 6th seed and the Southeast Division. Remember the Heat did not acquire their returning team general Dwyane Wade until mid-season (February 8, 2018). Just imagine what playoff seed Miami could have landed if they had Wade for the entire season. In the playoffs, the Heat faced the three seeded Philadelphia 76ers in the first round and were defeated in five games.
If Anthony were to take his talents to South Beach, he could potentially rejuvenate his career. Defensively, Carmelo could hide his weakness wearing the black and red jersey, due to Miami already having a number of defenders capable of guarding multiple positions, such as Josh Richardson, James Johnson, and Justise Winslow. Not to mention having a big man in Hassan Whiteside to protect the rim and the lane. Anthony could solely focus on helping Miami put numbers on the board. This is what Miami needs to help them stack up more wins next season.
Dwyane Wade is well known for helping LeBron James grow as a player on and off the court when he came to Miami. He could do the same for Melo. Wade can continue to take the sixth man role in Miami. He will need to let Melo run the first string offense just like he is requesting. Furthermore, Wade and Anthony already are great friends. The question is will Coach Erik Spoelstra be willing to sacrifice their better defender and at this point in his career better offensive option center/forward, Kelly Olynyk. Anthony would be happy to live in a major NBA city where it’s warm year round. He has one of his banana boat buddies on the team and where future free agents would love to play.
Potential Fit
The fit in South Beach for Anthony is very good. The Heat are as good of an option than the other teams because it’ll be no pressure on him. The only way Anthony will be able to make things go in his favor next season is going East and joining the Heat.
