Usually, early September is pretty quiet when it comes to NBA rumors. Training camps are due to start soon and the summer is about to end. But at the time of these lines, a big name still does not have a fixed team and that is fueling the gossip. You understood, we are talking about Carmelo Anthony, who would be on the shelves of Boston.
The Celtics have just lost Danilo Gallinari for several months. They want to add scoring to their bench. And Melo is still free from any contract. the fit seems almost natural and the rumor continues to grow following the latest paper released by the journalist from the Boston Globe Gary Washburn. According to the insider, the scenario of a Carmelo Anthony arrival at Beantown is currently gaining credibility, with the Greens still looking to replace Gallo after his horrific knee injury with Italy. Gallinari notably had to bring his offensive production and spacing thanks to his formidable wrist, qualities that Melo also possesses in his very wide offensive repertoire. In the Lakers fiasco last season, Anthony still shot 13 points in 26 minutes on average off the bench at 37.5% from the parking lot. Super honest figures, so much so that at the very beginning of the season some put him in the race for the sixth man of the year. Well it did not last given the galleys of the Californian franchise but what is certain is that Carmelo still knows how to burn the string, even at 38 years old. And for the skeptics who like to point the finger at his defensive level, don’t forget that the Greens are one of the most formidable defensive teams on the circuit, they who are equipped at all levels in their own half of the field. If there is a formation that can compensate for the big limits of Melo at this level, it is that of Ime Udoka.
So yes, it might be weird to see Anthony with a Celtics jersey after his time at the Lakers and his Knicks years. But we are potentially on a win-win deal. For Melo, it would allow him both to extend his career a little further and above all to integrate a real candidate for the title who remains on a participation in the NBA Finals. In almost two decades, the ninth all-time scorer has never played on the biggest stage and is therefore one of those big names still looking for a championship ring. When you see the Celtics’ current roster and remember Boston’s spectacular rise last year, you think it would be possibly the best opportunity of his career to touch the Larry O’Brien Trophy. So, deal to come? For the moment nothing is done but it is clearly a file to watch. However, other names have also been thrown around by Gary Washburn, including DeMarcus Cousins, Jeremy Lamb, Dwight Howard and LaMarcus Aldridge. Practically only former All-Stars looking for a bagouze at the end of their career. No doubt, things will still move in Boston by the start of training camp.
Carmelo Anthony with the Boston jersey? This is now a real possibility. The interest seems mutual and we understand why. But should it ever go wrong, the rumored return to the Knicks – in on New York City – could in turn pick up momentum. Level storytelling it would not be bad either…
Source texte : Boston Globe