Houston Rockets: 5 reasons to be excited for 2018-19 NBA season

4. Carmelo Anthony is finally in Houston

In spite of not moving at a swift clip at the start of the summer, the Rockets made arguably their most boldest move during the dog days of free agency, as a story that was initially a long-winded rumor finally became a reality.

After being directly linked and pursued by Houston over the last several offseasons, the Rockets were able to come to terms with Carmelo Anthony on a one-year, $2.4 million deal on Aug. 13.

Anthony — who hit the market following a buyout with the Atlanta Hawks — averaged a career-low 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game through 78 games last season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, prior to being shipped to Atlanta as part of a three-team trade in July.

Although Melo fell short of performing up to the standard that most spectators expected in his lone season with the Thunder, the All-Star scorer who rose to prominence as a member of the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks could seek to prove something right away in Houston.

A destination where teaming up with two of the game’s best playmakers might help to make life much easier on No. 7 than ever before. Anthony could very well be the overlooked piece that helps the Rockets capture the Larry O’Brien Trophy come season’s end.