2019 NBA free agency: 5 potential landing spots for Carmelo Anthony
By Jordan Foote
3. Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers are a team coming off a Western Conference Finals appearance. With Golden State’s empire seemingly taking a step back and the rest of the association being mainly comprised of dynamic duos instead of trios, now is the time to go all-in. Acquiring a player like Carmelo Anthony would be far from a groundbreaking move, but it’d help a team that’s shallow at small forward and power forward.
The 6’5″ Kent Bazemore is more than likely going to be Portland’s starting small forward. He’s capable of playing there, but this is a less than ideal fit. Behind him are underperforming former No. 5 overall draft pick Mario Hezonja and current rookie Nassir Little. This area of head coach Terry Stotts’ squad could use a bit of work.
At power forward, Zach Collins looks to make the leap from reserve to starter. His successful transition from point A to point B isn’t a certainty. Filling out the rest of the rotation there are Anthony Tolliver and Skal Labissiere. Tolliver was a very solid addition this offseason and Labissiere has a lot to prove in a contract season. The ceiling of this group isn’t very high, but all three players have reasons to perform to the best of their abilities.
Simply put, the Blazers could use one more body to compete for minutes at either forward position. Anthony would be able to play immediately, yet still be just a cog in the machine that is an NBA rotation. His efficiency may not be what it once was, but Portland wouldn’t have to beg him to fire away when he gets the ball.