Report: Houston Rockets To Pursue Carmelo Anthony This Summer
By Yoni Pollak
Nov 14, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) is restrained by official Scott Foster (48) as he confronts Houston Rockets power forward Dwight Howard (12) and shooting guard James Harden (13) during the third quarter of a game at Madison Square Garden. The Rockets beat the Knicks 109-106. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Carmelo Anthony to the Rockets? That’s what Marc Berman of the New York Post is saying. In a report that came out earlier tonight, Berman says the Rockets could create a sign-and-trade for the Knicks All-Star.
"According to a league source, the Rockets will make a bid for Carmelo Anthony this summer, even though they probably won’t have cap space and would have to orchestrate a creative sign-and-trade. The source said Houston asked the Knicks about Anthony before February’s trade deadline."
Berman also adds that the Rockets would likely move Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik in a deal for Anthony, along with several draft picks.
A bit of a head-scratcher, right?
Carmelo Anthony doesn’t seem like a Daryl Morey type player. This season Melo is averaging 28 points per game on 22 shots. For his career, he averages 25 points on 20 shots a game. Not exactly Mr. efficient. In comparison, James Harden is scoring those same 25 points on close to 17 shots a game this season. Free throws make a big difference!
If the Rockets do go through on the deal and send Jeremy Lin, Omer Asik, and a few first rounders for Anthony, they would then sport a lineup of; Patrick Beverley, James Harden, Carmelo Anthony, Terrence Jones, and Dwight Howard. They could possibly put Chandler Parsons at SF and move Anthony to PF, but Parsons may be better served coming off the bench.
I am somewhat intrigued by the idea of a “Big Three” but I don’t believe it would work to well. That “Big Three” alone would combine for around 50 of your team’s 80-90 shots in a game. That’s a large percentage of ISO ball. Anthony is known as a “black hole” on offense and Harden does have his games where he does his own thing. There would need to be a good amount of sacrifice to make this work.
Bringing on Melo would also mean the end of Chandler Parsons in a Rockets uniform by the end of the next season. If the Rockets knew they could get Melo, they’d keep Parsons for one more year at his extremely cheap price, and hope to win it all next season. If they fail, Parsons will likely head to wherever the money leads him.
I do believe Carmelo would come to Houston if the Rockets wanted him. He will save money by coming to Texas over other states, he’ll be joining a young contender, and he’ll have a lot less pressure here in Houston. A win-win-win for Carmelo (and frankly for any other superstar as well).
Remember Rockets fans: Daryl Morey has pursued Anthony in the past and reportedly has done so as recently as February’s deadline. Though it may not be the best fit, maybe Morey has something up his sleeve.
There’s a lot to discuss in regards to Melo-to-Houston. I personally dislike his playing style and wouldn’t be a huge fan of his arrival, but who am I to hate if Daryl Morey decides it could make the Rockets better.
#InMoreyWeTrust
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