Photo: GQ, “Melo Made” a collection with South African brand Maxhosa
We cannot end this week without talking about the 2013 NBA scoring champion and 10 time NBA ALL Star Carmelo Anthony, whom we last saw on the basketball court over 12 months ago. The New York native has had some let downs over the past few years after leaving the Denver Nuggets for the New York Knicks back in 2011.
For over 12 months teams were not checking for him while fans waited in anticipation to see him back in a jersey somewhere. All he needed was a chance to prove he still belongs in the league and after free agency this year the chances grew slimmer. Breakthrough came this Wednesday evening when Portland granted him that opportunity. Before signing Melo, the Trail Blazers were in desperate need to beef up their frontcourt after an atmosphere change on the court.
Woj dropped the bomb about Melo’s return to the league on Wednesday night when he tweeted.
Portland is signing Carmelo Anthony, league source tells ESPN.
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The non-guarantee deal takes effect as soon as Melo passes a physical, meaning we won't be seeing him this Saturday in San Antonio or what could’ve been an awkward appearance in Houston on Monday night. The Blazers have had a rough start to the season sitting 4-8, 3rd from the bottom in the west, this signing could be good for the Blazers who need a Power Forward after Zach Collins suffered a dislocated shoulder in their win against the Mavs this October, and with players like Nigerian-American Al-Farouq Aminu and Moe Harkless wearing different jerseys this season. This slow start is not what the Blazers anticipated when they were talking about winning the NBA championship a month ago.
Reactions around the league were what many would expect them to be. D-Wade tweeted: “It’s about damn time.”
“We added a good player, another scoring threat, experience, rebounder.”Lillard said in a text to Jason Quick of The Athletic.
Melo will relieve the scoring burden off Damian Lillard who has been great, shooting 38.6% from the arc. Melo will reportedly get $15 000 per day with the team while waiting for January 7th, 2020 to see if he will be fully guaranteed.