The Highly Anticipated Return of Melo is here

11/15/19

By: @OOSSports

Last night, RIP city made NBA fans rejoice, agreeing to a deal with Carmelo Anthony, according to ESPN’s Woj. Anthony has not played life NBA competition in over a year, he last suited up for the Houston Rockets on Nov. 8, 2018 before controversially being released.

The MVP of the 2003 Final Four and number 3 pick in the strong 2003 NBA draft, Anthony has only worn 15 and 7 dating back to his days at Syracuse, but probably will have to choose a new number with the Blazers because 15 is retired (Larry Steele) and 7 is being held out of circulation (Brandon Roy) and should not be worn out of respect.

Superstar Damian Lillard has wanted to play alongside Melo in Portland but did not think it would ultimately happen. About 2 years ago in 2017, Dame told The Undefeated’s Marc Spears that Anthony “didn’t seem opposed” to the idea of playing for the team. For a while he was definitely pressing for his friend to be in the league feeling his friend deserved it, but did not want to pressure him into anything telling Spears,

“I didn’t want to press him. I ain’t a big fan of doing all the extra recruiting and all that stuff… I’m not giving up on anything. I just think I’ve done what I can do.”

According to basketball guru Woj, Melo will suit up for the Blazers during their upcoming road trip, which includes a stop in to face the Rockets on Monday, the team who thought he was too washed to play anymore. Bobby Marks at ESPN said the non-guaranteed deal will reportedly pay Anthony $14,490 for each day he is on the roster. The deal and money will become fully secured on Jan. 7 if he’s still lasts.

Anthony fills a need for the Blazers, who do not have much forward depth at all. Zach Collins had shoulder surgery that is supposed to keep him sidelined for a long 4 months. Rodney Hood has been having back spasms.

The Blazer’s solid center Nurkic remains on the IR after breaking his leg last month during a game. Nurkic isn’t expected back until after the start of the new year. The Trailblazers just signed Pau Gasol in the offseason, but is still rehabbing from foot surgery.

Will Carmelo be able to accept his role on the Trailblazers and ultimately help revive his career? According to Ballislife.com, CJ McCollum said Melo would make Portland a top-3 team in the western conference.