Everyone’s Report: Carmelo Anthony Interested In The Rockets
By Yoni Pollak
Jan 3, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) brings the ball up the court during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Knicks 102-100. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Remember that Marc Berman (NY Post) report that the Houston Rockets will pursue Carmelo Anthony this summer? Well everyone’s favorite NBA reporter, Adrian Wojnarowski, has also jumped on the report with his own sources.
"Anthony has free-agent options, and two have risen above everything else: Chicago and Houston, sources with direct knowledge of his plans told Yahoo Sports. The Bulls have an easier path to clear the necessary salary-cap space to sign Anthony, but the Rockets believe they can shed the contracts necessary to offer a third near-max deals alongside Dwight Howard and James Harden, league sources said."
Surprise! Carmelo Anthony linked to the Rockets. Who would have thought?!?
Now don’t get me wrong. I love Mr. Wojnarowski. There is nothing better than a “WOJ BOMB” randomly throughout the year. He’s the best follow on Twitter for NBA Free Agency and near the trade deadline time. He’s great. Love the guy, but these “types” of reports really do bother me.
It’s not Woj. It’s not Berman. It won’t be the next person who “has sources” informing him of Anthony’s thoughts. These reports are so easy for anyone to make up. I believe Woj got his information from a legit source. I’m not doubting him in general. I am doubting the term “sources” in general.
Look at me for instance. I’m an average guy (even though my mother claims I’m the best ever), who goes to school, has an internship, and writes. Writes a lot. I also tweet. What is stopping me from hopping on my Twitter and tweeting, “Source: Carmelo Anthony has Houston high atop FA list. Championship contenders, no state taxes among several reasons.” It’s really easy, and frankly, I wouldn’t be wrong.
Oct 5, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Members of the Houston Rockets red rowdies fan club cheer before a game against the New Orleans Hornets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Houston Rockets will always be linked to superstars and even more so over the next year(s). They have James Harden and Dwight Howard, two superstars whom are two of the top 15 players in the NBA. They have a first class organization and owner in Leslie Alexander. Daryl Morey, the Rockets GM is widely-known as one of the best in the game. They have a great fan-base and have been one of the better organizations over the last three decades. They have everything a free agent would want, and most importantly, a really good chance at a ring.
And on the Rockets side, of course they want to bring in a “Big Three” for themselves. Daryl Morey has said in the past they’re still looking for another superstar. Moreover, Morey has built the roster to fit another superstar simply by trading away Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik in any sort of deal, so the Rockets could afford any third superstar.
Over the next year, Carmelo Anthony’s name will be brought up as a potential player that could head to the Rockets simply because it makes sense. Anthony isn’t getting any younger, has a chance to form his own “Big Three”, and can easily help lead the Rockets atop the Western Conference.
It won’t only be Carmelo Anthony’s name that will be linked to the Rockets. Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge, heck, even LeBron James‘ name could, and likely will be linked to Houston. Why wouldn’t any of these players sign, or force a trade to Houston? As mentioned earlier, they have everything a superstar would want when looking for a new team. Why wouldn’t LeBron James say to himself, “Dwyane Wade is only going downhill. Chris Bosh is pretty good but there are better players I can pair myself with. We may not be the best of the best next year. Why not go to Houston, join my good friends Dwight Howard and James Harden, and kick some A$ in Houston and win many championships.”
Any superstar should be thinking that. Any combination of Howard, Harden, and insert superstar here would easily become “the team to beat” in the NBA. It’s likely the best chance any of these guys will get to a ring.
If you’re looking for your Rockets to be mentioned as a possible destination for a superstar, then you will be happy for a long time. We will continue to see it many times, whether true or not, simply because it makes sense to include Houston. Kevin Love may not actually be interested in the Rockets, but rest assured the Rockets will be linked because Houston is a great fit for any superstar.
Whether it’s Woj, Berman, Spears, Stein, or other reporters (notice how I didn’t include Chris Broussard), expect a tweet similar too, “Player X has Houston high atop FA wish list. He likes the young squad with championship pieces.”
Why don’t you give it a shot?!?
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Follow Yoni Pollak: @YoniPollak