Signing Carmelo Anthony
Despite failing to move at a swift pace throughout the opening period of free agency, the Rockets made arguably their boldest yet towards the dog days of summer, as a story that was once a long-winded rumor has now become a reality.
On Aug. 13, Houston officially signed Carmelo Anthony to a one-year, $2.4 million contract. Anthony hit the market after clearing waivers following his buyout by the Atlanta Hawks.
Anthony — whose name was directly linked to the Rockets last offseason — averaged a career-low 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game through 78 contests last season with the the Oklahoma City Thunder prior to being dealt to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team trade in mid-July.
Now, the former New York Knicks star will seek to join his third team in the last three years, as the 34-year-old forward attempts to silence his critics in Houston for once and for all.
Although Melo did not perform up to the level that most spectators were accustomed to expecting last year, the player who rose to prominence as a member of the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks, could seek to come out with something to prove right away with the Rockets.
Where playing alongside of two willing passers may help him produce his best shooting season as a pro, as teaming up with Harden and his good friend Paul, will provide Anthony with the chance to generate a plethora of catch-and-shoot opportunities and above-the-break 3s in transition.
That is a place Anthony proved to be highly effective prior to the 2018 NBA Playoffs, sporting a 54.3 effective field goal percentage in catch-and-shoot situations during the regular season, while also producing an effective 53.7 and 60 percent clip on long range looks either above the break or from the right corner.
While Anthony’s defense has been heavily criticized throughout the years, no one can deny that the 6’8″, 240-pound force is one of the NBA’s best players with the game on the line, as the man who once lit up Madison Square Garden with his offensive barrages is one of the most clutch performers in the history of basketball.
Since the 2003-04 regular season, Anthony has hit a total of 16 game-winning shots in the final five seconds of the fourth quarter or overtime and proven to his skeptics that he can come through in big moments.
No one knows for sure if Melo might start or come off the bench, although should he find a way to accept his role, then No. 7 could very well be the overlooked piece that helps the Rockets get over the hump.
Grade: A