As an exciting offseason slows down, there are still noteworthy free agents waiting for an offer. Players such as Jeremy Lin and J.R Smith are a couple of free agents that are still on the market. With the right team, these players can establish a role and contribute to their respective teams.
These three players had different paths. Lin won a championship with the Raptors after signing with them in February. Smith sat out the season after the Cleveland Cavaliers announced he would no longer be with the team. Recently, the Cavs waived Smith after failing to trade him. Stephenson finished the season with Lakers and averaged 7.2 points and 3.2 rebounds.
These players are notable free agents, who could end up with a team by the end of summer. However, there is another free agent still searching for a home. The free-agent was a star in the league but is coming off his worst season (statistically) in 2017-18 and only 10 games of last season. That player is Carmelo Anthony.
Last summer, Anthony signed a one-year deal with the Houston Rockets. He joined the duo of Chris Paul and James Harden in hopes of playing for a contender. He played 10 games, where he averaged 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds. Later, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey announced that the Rockets were parting ways with Anthony and did not waive him. The Rockets traded Anthony to the Bulls in January, and they waived him shortly after.
Anthony with the Rockets (Photo by Mary Altaffer/Associated Press)
Since then, Anthony has been a free agent. Rumors of teams signing him have come and gone, but nothing came into fruition. So, Anthony remains unsigned, hoping to return the league.
Anthony has tried to stay in shape to prepare for his comeback. Recently, Anthony’s trainer Chris Brickley said that Anthony was 100 percent NBA ready. Brickley also said that his client is better than 70 percent of players in the league right now. If Anthony is ready, he could potentially help the right team. But, that may be unlikely
According to Shams Charania, NBA executives believe that Anthony’s NBA future is in “serious doubt.” So, there is a chance that his (NBA) career is over.
Anthony is searching for his farewell season. Players around the league have voiced their support for Anthony as he waits for his next opportunity. Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard sent out a tweet with the hashtags “VoteForMeloFareWellSeason” and “StopPlayingMelo.” Lillard, like some fans, wants to see Anthony back in the league (at least for another year). But it may not happen.
Is there a place in the league for Carmelo Anthony? It is hard to say. However, if he does get a chance, he can finish his career on a better note.
Featured image courtesy of Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY Sports
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