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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 12: Carmelo Anthony (00) of the Portland Trail Blazers prepares to face his former team the Denver Nuggets before the first quarter on Thursday, December 12, 2019. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 12: Carmelo Anthony (00) of the Portland Trail Blazers prepares to face his former team the Denver Nuggets before the first quarter on Thursday, December 12, 2019. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
When Carmelo Anthony signed with the Portland Trail Blazers last season, many believed that his career was on its last leg. But Melo re-surged his career in the last year with the Blazers and proved to be a solid player for them. However, the Blazers still couldn’t get past the Lakers in the opening round of the playoffs.
Despite their short playoff run, the franchise is interested in re-signing Anthony, according to NBA insider David Aldridge. Aldridge wrote on Twitter, “Since lots of people seem curious: the Blazers are still hoping they can re-sign @carmeloanthony despite adding Robert Covington via trade and signing Derrick Jones Friday. Still minutes and an important role to play. His impact on the team last year was substantial.”
Since lots of people seem curious: the Blazers are still hoping they can re-sign @carmeloanthony despite adding Robert Covington via trade and signing Derrick Jones Friday. Still minutes and an important role to play. His impact on the team last year was substantial.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) November 21, 2020
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With their leader Damian Lillard, the Blazers are one of the top contenders in the West. But without veteran leadership, any team can struggle in the NBA. Re-signing Melo will not only bring leadership in the locker room, but he can be a consistent scorer for them as well.
Despite being 36 years old, Melo still has a few years left in the tank. He proved his worth in the playoffs, averaging 15.2 points per game in five games. This consistent input coupled with his ability to drain big shots is something that the Blazers can make use of.
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What’s next for the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2020-21 season?
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DENVER, CO – MAY 7: Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers shows signs of frustration against the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter on Tuesday, May 7, 2019. The Denver Nuggets versus the Portland Trail Blazers in game five of the teams’ second round NBA playoff series at the Pepsi Center in Denver. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Prior to the NBA bubble, the Blazers struggled to find their groove. A major reason behind their poor performances was numerous injuries to their star players. But when the Blazers are healthy, they can be a thorn in the side for any team in the Western Conference.
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Many still believe that if Lillard was healthy during the first round series in the postseason, the Blazers could have given a tough fight to the eventual champions, the Lakers. However, that is all in the past. Next season will begin shortly, and the Blazers might be just a few pieces away from a terrific playoff roster.
The franchise recently acquired Robert Covington and Enes Kanter to strengthen the squad. If they can sign back Carmelo, it will definitely improve their odds for a deep postseason run.
