Houston Rockets: The major reason why Melo should be a starter

The Houston Rockets are about to begin their training camp. Let’s take a look at the huge reason Carmelo Anthony needs to be a starter on this team.

Since Carmelo Anthony signed with the Houston Rockets there have been mixed reviews, ranging from his ability to be a starter for a championship team to the idea that this team will be worse with Anthony on the roster. Well, I’m here to tell you all that, A) He is a great addition to the Rockets roster and B) He needs to be in the starting lineup.

First, let’s discuss why Anthony is a great addition to the roster. This summer the Rockets lost Trevor Ariza via free agency and traded away Ryan Anderson, both to the Suns, but signed James Ennis and a future Hall of Famer in Anthony.

The Houston Rockets were looking to get younger and replace the defensive versatility that Ariza brought to this team and they did just that with the signing of Ennis. Anthony was signed primarily to add depth at both forward positions.

However, Anthony not only provides depth but he adds to the Houston Rockets already dangerous offense, at the league’s veteran minimum salary of $2.4 million. Anderson was deemed not playable against the Warriors because he could not play defense and, surprisingly, he could not help the Rockets on offense.

Anthony is an immediate upgrade both offensively and defensively over Anderson. Anthony has the ability post up, spot up and get to the basket off the dribble. These facts alone exhibit why Anthony is a great addition to this year’s roster.

Now let’s discuss why Anthony should be inserted into the Rockets starting lineup. The biggest reason why most fans do not like the idea of Anthony starting is the thought of him getting annihilated by the likes of Kevin Durant.

However, from previous experience, we should all understand that Coach Mike D’Antoni will only put his players in the most optimal position for them to succeed. And from his past rodeo with Anthony, we should know that he believes that his best position is the power forward position.

Which is why I believe D’Antoni will open the season with a starting lineup of Chris Paul, James Harden, Ennis, Anthony, and Clint Capela. Anthony will essentially be replacing PJ Tucker in the starting lineup.

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This will, in fact, decrease the Rockets defensive prowess but not by much! Looking back to last year, the Oklahoma City Thunder had a top 10 defense even with Anthony starting most games at the small forward position. So, I fully expect for the Houston Rockets to continue to boast a top 10 defense with Anthony playing primarily the power forward position and guarding a player like Draymond Green.

Additionally, Harden and Paul will efficiently incorporate Anthony into the offense, something Russell Westbrook could not do, allowing him to be more efficient on offense. This will then allow Anthony to get back on defense and spend more energy and effort on defense.

With more made shots and less time running back in transition, Anthony will be able to utilize one of the NBA’s best defensive security blankets (Capela) and will also be able to play his role in the defensive schemes orchestrated by defensive guru Jeff Bzdelik.

As long as Melo continues to provide that strap from three-point range and adds the dimension of post up, spot up, and getting to the line, the Rockets should be even more exciting than the last year.

D’Antoni and the Houston Rockets would be remiss if they tried to make Anthony come off the bench. Inserting him into the starting lineup is the best strategy for this team.