After resurrecting his career with the Trail Blazers, Carmelo Anthony is hoping to return to the team next season, writes Jason Quick of The Athletic. Speaking with reporters after Portland was eliminated from the playoffs Saturday night, the 36-year-old free-agent-to-be talked about his desire to re-sign with the organization.
“I pray that it can be Portland, honestly,” Anthony said. “I think I’ve found a home in Portland. I got comfortable with the organization, I got comfortable with the guys on the team, they got comfortable with me, and at this point in my career, I do think that is the best fit for me.”
Anthony was out of the NBA for more than a year before the Blazers took a chance on him in November after Zach Collins suffered a dislocated shoulder. Anthony’s original contract wasn’t guaranteed until January, but his performance on the court and his role in the locker room quickly proved he was worth keeping. After two weeks, Portland guaranteed the deal for the rest of the season.
Anthony said he changed his priorities during the time he spent away from the game and the Blazers turned out to be a perfect fit for him, Quick adds. The veteran forward cited transparency from the front office, his relationship with teammates and the philosophy used by coach Terry Stotts.
“Being able to have another opportunity at this game — Portland if you want to say ‘revive’ is the word — allowed me to come in and just be myself and who I am,” Anthony said. “So I will always be appreciative of that. Being on this team, I’ve learned a lot. Being out of the game for a year, then coming back and having a different perspective on things, a different appreciation, but also a different energy. That time off forced me to tap into something else, dig deep in the well, from a mental standpoint.”
Quick notes that Anthony returning to Portland isn’t a sure thing, with money and playing time both factoring into the decision. Anthony signed this season at the league minimum for a player with 10-plus years of experience, and he may get better offers from other teams. The Blazers view Collins as part of their foundation, and small forwards Rodney Hood and Trevor Ariza are both expected back next season.
Still, there are positive feelings on both sides after one of the few feel-good stories in a difficult NBA season. Anthony has grown to love Portland, and his teammates will expect the organization to do everything it can to keep him.
“I think one of the highlights of this season was really the fact that Melo came and played for the Blazers … was special,” Stotts said. “What he meant to the team and the way he conducted himself, and the way he played. In the bubble, he made some big shots and got us into the playoffs. So I feel very honored to have been able to coach him. He’s a Hall of Fame player and a Hall of Fame guy.”
Another home that can’t win a playoff series.
I don’t understand why people think he is a great player? He is a good player but not a top 10 player or even top 20 player. He is at the point of his career he is a third option player which the NBA has many of those type players.
He’d be the 4th option on the Twolves…and they suck!!! But his defense would fit right in perfectly with the Wolves!!
Who is the 3rd option on the Wolves after KAT and DLo
I mean, Beasley averaged 20 a game for them. Melo hasn’t done that since 2017.
Beasley was my #3 , like CurtisRowe beat me to.
Carmelo’s D is completely absent also.
He wasn’t even good enough to be the 9th or 10th option for Houston.
I don’t really think anyone is arguing that he’s a top 10/20 player at this point in his career. In fact I’m pretty sure if you asked him – he wouldn’t even say he was. He’s adjusted well (finally) to being that role/3rd/4th guy on a ‘playoff team’ and I do think he’s as good as anybody at that role now. As for whether he ever really was a “great” player. Well he was definitely an absolutely elite scorer and maybe he never really made the adjustments he should have to be a true ‘team/great’ player — he was definitely a “great” player talent wise… unfortunately for him… he may have just figured out the ‘mental side’ of the game a tad too late in his career to have ever been one of the “all-time greats” I think his talent should have allowed him to be.
Is Ariza really expected back next season? Only 1.8 of his 12.8 million contract is guaranteed. If they bring back Melo to go with Hood do they really need Ariza? Getting rid of that extra 11 million along with Whiteside’s 20 million coming off should give Portland plenty of room to add a player or 2.
They should take ariza contract anf sign n trade whiteside along with the 16th pick and trade for Blake Griffin. Pistons will gladly take and Blake will fit in nicely with Portland fir 2 seasons.
I’m not sure anyone wants that Blake contract but if they are looking for trades I’d like to see them go after Kevin Love or Al Horford. Ibaka or Montrez could be a FA target. I do think they will be going all in the next 2 years so trading the mid 1st pick this year should be on the table and they have a 7 million trade exception they could use. Maybe even include Collins or Simons. They definitely have some options.
Trading Whiteside and Ariza for Griffin would completely decimate their defense. If you think the team currently struggles to keep opponents at bay, they’d be a complete mess without their best wing and paint defenders
Ariza’s lost a couple 2 many steps to be as effective on D as he use to be and Whiteside just chases blocks. Nurkic their paint defender, not sure who would be their best wing defender if they don’t resign Hood.
Hood doesn’t need to be resigned, he has a player option and is coming back from an Achilles. He’s not turning down that option option.
I’m not sure anyone wants Whiteside at this point (certainly not at any price remotely similar to his current salary) and the last thing the Blazers need is another injury-prone player with questionable defense in Blake Griffin. Blazers should just let Hassan go and do something with those bucks. As for Ariza, he still has some value, but once again, nothing close to 12.8M (another great Divac’s signing btw). I’d waive him and perhaps try to resign him as a UFA for something close to the minimum; otherwise, just go for another younger perimeter defender.
He’d be great coming off the bench…which he should have done in okc like DS is doing now. However he refuses to accept that role and I wonder if he ever will.
If portland can get him to embrace that role it would work….as a starter…portland is what they are. First round exit playoff team.
Melo has started 1114 NBA regular season games, the only time he ever came off the bench was in 2018 with Houston for 8 games.
Getting into shape is what helped him, and realizing he can’t take the game for granted. He’s a great scorer (next year he could be in the top 10 all-time) and can rebound. That’s what he does. His defense isn’t good, but that applies to 75% of the league as well. I’d put him out there for 24-30 per night with the expectation he can get me 15/5 or more each night. He shouldn’t be the best player on the floor for whatever team he plays for, but he can certainly be the best scoring option when a bucket is needed in those close games. He can still splash.
His defense is nonexistent. He needs to be on the floor with some strong perimeter defenders, and Dame and CJ certainly do not fit that bill. I’d say around 15 minutes with the second unit would be better for the Blazers, provided Melo is willing to embrace that role.
Does POR stand pat? They had a lot of key injuries so they may see what a healthy team can do for 82? games next season. I would go for a more D oriented player than Carmelo. They have enough scorers when they are healthy. Carmelo would be the 5th option. He could be a “threat” on the 2nd team.
According to report
Leon Rose really likes Melo and LaMelo
8th pick would get Knicks nothing but bust
Who will be available at 8?
Toppin compare to Randle
Killian compare to Frank N
Vassell compare to Barrett
Randle can eat Toppin alive
……
‘Leon Rose really likes Melo and LaMelo’
No to both, please.
Sales of “Carmello” candy bars are on the rise…..
Good candy bars……just saying!!!!
I miss marathon bars, chocolate covered caramel.
Glad to hear some good news… Melo deserves to be happy after the career he has had!
I thought Melo wanted to go Ring chasing. Come off the bench with GS.
What is the name of the realtor he used to enable him to state that, “I’ve Found A Home In Portland”.
Please stay there. He actually played well for them. This way all the nonsense back to NY stuff will stop. Half the Knick sites want Mello back. It’s nuts how uninformed fans thinks. Not a Thibs kind of guy. And he’s too old for Knicks. As a bench scorer with Blazers. He still got some life there. At least he can end career on a good note.