2. Shoot 38 percent or better from 3-point range
Despite being known as a deft mid-range shooter throughout the majority of his career, Anthony must seek to put together his best season ever from beyond the arc, as the player who once made his living in isolation sets will likely take more 3-pointers than ever before with the Rockets.
Anthony — who hoisted up a career-high 474 3-point attempts a year ago — shot 35.7 percent from downtown in his lone season with the Thunder. However, he struggled to convert 3-point shots that were classified as “open,” per NBA.com, shooting a putrid 30.9 and 20 percent on uncontested attempts from long range during the regular season and playoffs, respectively.
Although one could easily blame Melo’s struggles on Oklahoma City’s inability to space the floor around him, the six-time All-NBA selection must find a way to reverse the following fortunes in Houston. Anthony will be called on to take advantage of a spread-out Rockets attack that will help him garner efficient looks from spots that he is the most comfortable operating from.
Houston, which took an NBA-record 41.9 attempts per game from beyond the arc last season, will provide Anthony with countless 3-point looks in the corner part of the floor. Should he fail to knock them down at a consistent clip, the Rockets’ experiment with him could prove to be a disappointment.