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NBA Free Agency: 3 best players for contenders to sign

By Jake Brown

Dec 15, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; LA Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe (12) looks to pass against Utah Jazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) and center Hassan Whiteside (21) in the third quarter at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; LA Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe (12) looks to pass against Utah Jazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) and center Hassan Whiteside (21) in the third quarter at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Free Agency: 3 best players for contenders to sign
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 27: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court prior to the start of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on March 27, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana, NBA Free Agency: 3 best players for contenders to sign. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

NBA Free Agency: 3 best players for contenders to sign: Carmelo Anthony

One of the best players from the 2003 NBA Draft class, Melo has had a successful career in the league. As of late, he has bounced from team to team, signing one-year deals. Melo has yet to win a ring in his career as he continues his search for contenders across the league. Most recently, Anthony played with former Team USA teammate and friend LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers.

Anthony averaged 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in his 69 games for the Purple and Gold. Since leaving the New York Knicks, Anthony has taken on lesser roles around the league, coming off the bench. While it may not be something he’s used to, Anthony is a great bench player to have, as he can score at will against opposing second units.

The veteran’s only concern remains his defense as he reaches the tail end of his career. Any vast improvements to his defensive game would be surprising, but with him coming off the bench, Melo and his game should be welcomed on any contender.

Although they may not be contenders at this current time, it will be interesting to see if Anthony is monitoring what the Knicks are doing. If the Knicks were to acquire Donovan Mitchell, New York could be a ‘dark horse’ candidate for Anthony in free agency.

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