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Portland Trail Blazers: 3 season goals for Carmelo Anthony in 2020-21

By Matthew Hallett

PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 10: Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers (R) and Hassan Whiteside #21 look on during the second half of the game against the Phoenix Suns at the Moda Center on March 10, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. The Portland Trail Blazers topped the Phoenix Suns, 121-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 10: Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers (R) and Hassan Whiteside #21 look on during the second half of the game against the Phoenix Suns at the Moda Center on March 10, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. The Portland Trail Blazers topped the Phoenix Suns, 121-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Carmelo Anthony must continue to influence the team positively

The play of Anthony last season reminded us all that he is an all-time great and almost a guarantee of being nominated to the Hall of Fame one day. No, he was not at his scoring champion best, but he showed some incredible fight in year 17.

His presence in the locker room was enough to help the Blazers get back some of their self-belief. On top of that, he gave the Blazers a viable option outside of their backcourt to have the ball on the final play. He was able to hit big shots that normally would be taken by Damian Lillard. This kept the opposition defenses guessing.

There is no doubt that Anothony’s production is going to drop off next season. Most of that will be attributed to the production of the new players, as well as others who are returning from long term injuries.

Anthony will no longer be the third option, that role will go to Hood, Covington, or Jusuf Nurkic among others. The Blazers have the depth now which means their third option will vary night in and night out, depending on matchups.

All that Anthony needs to do is stay focussed, stay ready, and produce levels of efficiency similar to or greater than last season. He needs to be the experienced voice, the steadying hand when the Blazers need it. This is how he will best continue his influence on the team

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