Pros/cons of Brooklyn Nets targeting Carmelo Anthony in NBA free agency
By Dalton Sell
Pros of the Brooklyn Nets targeting Carmelo Anthony in 2022 NBA free agency
In their quest to leap back into contention next season, the Brooklyn Nets will look to bring aboard some established veterans in the offseason, and Carmelo Anthony fits the billing.
Anthony proved that he could still play at a high level with the Lakers this season as he averaged a solid 13.3 points while shooting 44.1 percent from the floor and 37.5 percent from three. Anthony was primarily utilized in the second unit, as he started in just three of his 69 appearances this year.
The Nets would be wise to shore up their bench scoring, considering they averaged 33.6 points per game this season, which ranked 22nd in the league, according to NBA.com/stats. Though he is no longer the lethal scoring threat he once was, Anthony could provide a decent scoring punch off the bench to assist the Nets’ second unit scoring woes.
As mentioned in the previous report, another reason to target Anthony would be the uncertainty surrounding Joe Harris. The sharpshooting forward underwent ankle surgery in November 2021, and the expectation was that he would be back before the 2021-22 season concluded.
Yet, that never happened as Harris had a second ankle procedure done in March, which ended his hope of returning this season. Given that he will be coming off two ankle surgeries, the Nets will not be rushing Harris back by any means. The Nets missed Harris, one of the best shooters in the NBA, this season, and adding another perimeter shooter like Anthony as insurance would be feasible.
Also, there is the financial factor. At 37 years old and in the late stages of his career, Anthony will not command a sizeable salary in free agency. Wherever he goes, he will likely take the minimum, which would make the cash-strapped Nets a feasible destination.
If they could secure Anthony on a minimum contract, it would be compelling, given what he brings offensively. The report also said that Brooklyn’s two stars, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, wanted Anthony on the team in 2019, so they very well could express that interest once again. Pairing Anthony with these two stars would make sense, as he would be a seamless fit on the offensive end as a second unit sparkplug.