{"id":19184,"date":"2019-03-03T12:18:24","date_gmt":"2019-03-03T17:18:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=19184"},"modified":"2019-03-06T12:20:41","modified_gmt":"2019-03-06T17:20:41","slug":"three-options-carmelo-anthony-has","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2019\/03\/03\/three-options-carmelo-anthony-has\/","title":{"rendered":"Three options Carmelo Anthony has going forward"},"content":{"rendered":"

Carmelo Anthony<\/strong><\/a> was once a perennial all-star, now he finds himself teamless as the 2018-2019 season nears its end. Clearly on the tail-end of his career, here are three options for Carmelo moving forward.<\/p>\n

Three options Carmelo Anthony has\u00a0going forward<\/h1>\n

The highly-regarded 2003 NBA Draft Class is slowly on its last legs as more and more players are ending their careers. Chris Bosh<\/strong><\/a> has already put his playing days behind him, and we are in the midst of Dwayne Wade’s<\/strong><\/a> farewell tour. LeBron James<\/strong><\/a> is playing at a consistent level of course, but father time is still undefeated.<\/p>\n

As for Carmelo Anthony? It is truly tough to witness how the former number three overall pick’s career is playing out in his 17th season. The ten-time all-star signed with the Houston Rockets<\/a>, but is now team-less after being traded<\/a>, and waived by the Chicago Bulls<\/a>.<\/p>\n

His best years are clearly behind him, and the end of his career is likely coming sooner rather than later. Here are three options Carmelo Anthony has going forward.<\/p>\n

Sign with a contender<\/h2>\n

This is undoubtedly the best option for Carmelo Anthony, as a missing accomplishment on his resume is a championship ring. Unfortunately, this scenario could also be the least likely for the former all-star.<\/p>\n

The Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> are far from contending status, but the speculation has been there due to LeBron and Carmelo’s known friendship. The Golden State Warriors<\/a> still have an open roster spot, but they are unlikely to use it on Anthony’s services. Many of the threats in the Eastern Conference have already stacked their rosters via buy-outs or the trade deadline.<\/p>\n

Best case scenario would be a contender taking the chance on Carmelo Anthony, allowing him to possibly add a ring to his resume. Unfortunately, that chance may be long gone.<\/p>\n

Play the mentor role<\/h2>\n

You look at the likes of Dirk Nowitzki<\/a><\/strong> and Vince Carter<\/a><\/strong> and admire that they are still in the league at their respective ages. No, they are not contending for a championship, but they are serving a different purpose altogether. They are playing the mentor role for their respective teams.<\/p>\n

Carmelo would have to accept that a chance at a ring and significant playing time is long behind him. However, if he took on a mentor role, it could be a nice narrative to end his career (a\u00a0career that has been met with some criticism).<\/p>\n

Vince Carter mentored the young Sacramento Kings<\/a> and currently plays the role for Trae Young<\/strong><\/a> and the Atlanta Hawks<\/a>. Dirk is doing the same for Luka Doncic<\/strong><\/a> and the Dallas Mavericks. Carmelo could be the next mentor come next season.<\/p>\n

Time to Retire<\/h2>\n

A realistic option and the toughest for Carmelo to swallow: it may time to hang up the jersey. After signing, being traded, and subsequently waived, the league may have given notice that Carmelo Anthony’s playing days are over.<\/p>\n

While his dip in efficiency and play is partly to blame, the truth of the matter is that the league is changing. Position-less basketball, the three-point shot, and two-way players are becoming the norm. Unfortunately, Carmelo’s isolation-style play is becoming obsolete.<\/p>\n

Carmelo Anthony is one of the superior talents the NBA has seen, and he is sure to be in the Hall-of-Fame in the future. The way the season has played out for him is tough to watch, as a farewell tour would be a much better spectacle. Either way, Carmelo’s playing days are numbered, how he chooses to end his career is up to him.<\/p>\n

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Main Photo Image:<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n