It’s summer, which means it’s time for my favorite summertime tradition-guessing where Carmelo Anthony will end up next season. And this time, he should unabashedly chase that ring and join the Boston Celtics.
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Sorry, I got dizzy and needed a second. As a lifelong Lakers fan, writing those words sickened me. But, my love for Carmelo parallels my love my Lakers. And as such, I want what is best for him. Staying in LA is not the answer.
The Lakers are a mess. Unless something unfolds with Kevin Durant getting traded there, which I doubt, the team will not succeed next season. If the Lakers trade for Kyrie Irving, Melo should run, not walk, out of Los Angeles.
So re-upping is off the table. What other options does he have?
The most popular one, and one I’d like to see if Boston doesn’t happen, would be to sign with Knicks for his farewell tour. He will forever be remembered as a New York Knickerbocker, and it would be fun to see him suit up for the garden faithful a few more times. The problem here of course, is it won’t get him that elusive championship. It may sell tickets, but the playoffs are a lofty goal for the Knicks, forget about a title.
I understand not everyone can win and greater players than Anthony retired ringless. But isn’t the point to try? Doesn’t Carmelo wan to be on and around a championship team, even if he’s not the focal point anymore? I think he does.
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There are a few teams that could offer him that opportunity. Golden State of course as the defending champs, the Miami Heat, the Los Angeles Clippers, and even an unlikely reunion with the team that drafted him and he forced a trade from, the Denver Nuggets.
But none of those teams have Jason Tatum.
Tatum and Carmelo Anthony share a bond through Kobe Bryant. Both looked up to Kobe. Kobe and Melo became good friends thanks to the 2008 Olympics, and Tatum idolizes Kobe and even got the Mamba’s seal of approval prior to his untimely and tragic death. There would be something poetic and beautiful about Carmelo going to Boston to continue the mentoring of Jason Tatum that Kobe started.
And it’s not like Carmelo couldn’t contribute. I’ve written before about his ability, even at 38 years old and enters his 20th season, to put the ball in the basket when needed. He could give the Celtics valuable minutes throughout the regular season as they rest their starters, all while mentoring and tutoring Tatum, Jalen Brown, and the rest of the squad.
The Celtics were a great defensive team last year, so his lack of defense won’t matter as he can be hidden when he plays. But his offense, which was often lacking for the Celtics, would be a welcome addition.
Boston made it all the way to the Finals with a young squad, plus Al Horford, and who knows what can happen with some more offense and veteran leadership. The additions of Danillo Gallinari and Malcom Brogdon make the Celtics favorites out of the east again. They are fortifying their positions and getting deeper and deeper. Wouldn’t Anthony on that bench make sense?
It’s time for Melo to head back east and play for the Celtics. It’s the best fit and his best chance at getting his ring. My eyes will hurt from seeing him do it in green, but I’ll be cheering inside.
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