10 players to watch for on buyout market after 2019 NBA Trade Deadline
2. Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony is without a doubt the biggest name on the buyout market, and yet he isn’t the most desired — not by a long shot. It’s crazy to see what was once such an elite offensive force whittled down to someone just looking to play basketball again.
It’s not that Melo can’t still play. Rather, it’s proven difficult for him to thrive in a reduced role, something he’s had to grow accustomed to after years of being the head-honcho for a couple different teams.
Even more so, there don’t appear many teams looking to give significant playing time to a guy best suited for the NBA of the mid-2000s. Anthony’s iso-mid-range game has come and gone, and it’s clear he hasn’t been willing to give it up.
The Lakers plan to evaluate the full buyout market once it takes shape, but Carmelo Anthony is expected to be among the considerations too, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 7, 2019
Still, teams value scoring off the bench. It’s a necessary component to every championship team. To have a guy you can run the offense through while the starters get a breather is a luxury that can help win games.
Due to his preferred style of play, it’s unlikely Melo could function as a sixth man, but there has to be a role he could find success in, even in today’s game. He could give teams a jolt when their offense is struggling or function more as a microwave-type player who does his damage in limited minutes.
Flaws and all, Anthony’s too talented a scorer to go out like this. When it comes time to find a new team, it’s just about accepting whatever role he’s given and making the most out of it in order to extend his Hall of Fame career.