NBA: 10 candidates for a bounce-back season in 2018-19

4. Carmelo Anthony, Houston Rockets

Suffice it to say Carmelo Anthony had a disappointing one-year trial run with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Olympic Melo never emerged, Hoodie Melo never made a guest appearance, and OKC was left with an inefficient ball-stopper who couldn’t stop anyone on defense and was indignant at the mere mention of a sixth man role.

That potentially awkward situation hasn’t worked itself out for the Houston Rockets yet, but Anthony is a much better fit on paper with this team. Chris Paul and James Harden are not only on great terms with Melo, but they’re arguably the best two facilitators in the NBA. If anyone’s going to get Anthony to embrace a lesser role as more of a spot-up threat than an iso scorer, it’s Houston.

There’s concern about the Mike D’Antoni angle, especially if — and when — it becomes obvious Melo should be coming off the bench. However, in a 3-point heavy offense with two elite floor generals who make life easier on everyone, a 34-year-old Carmelo Anthony actually stands a better chance of fitting in on a modern contender than people might think.