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Portland Trail Blazers: Carmelo Anthony revives his career in the NBA Bubble

By Stevie Cozens

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - JULY 31: Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after a made basket during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on July 31, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - JULY 31: Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after a made basket during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on July 31, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Carmelo Anthony has been one of the Portland Trail Blazers best players in the NBA Bubble. How has the 17-year veteran revived his career in Orlando?

Carmelo Anthony spent almost a year on the sidelines and out of the league before the Portland Trail Blazers signed him in November 2019.

After an illustrious NBA career highlighted by a scoring title, ten All-Star appearances and six All-NBA selections, it seemed like Melo was out of the league.

Signing with the Houston Rockets for the 2018/19 season almost cost him everything. Spread the floor and give it to James Harden is the way the Rockets play. Don’t dribble, don’t post up, don’t shoot from the midrange. Melo as a strictly off the ball player was never going to work. He was cut by the Rockets and spent a year in the wilderness.

His midrange, jab-step and pump-fake game was bashed on twitter by fans and media, and it looked like he may not ever play in the league again.

After Zach Collins and then Rodney Hood went down for the season, Neil Olshey dropped a massive bombshell by signing Melo on November 19, 2019 to a non-guaranteed veterans minimum deal. He was back.

Melo had a strong season before the NBA hiatus. 15 points a game and 6 rebounds and 36 percent from three. He had some clutch plays down the stretch and even hit a game-winner against the Toronto Raptors.

The Blazers hadn’t had a great season, but Melo had helped save a season in many ways with his size, scoring and veteran leadership.

Fast forward to the NBA Bubble in Orlando, and Melo has been even better. He has been more efficient, hit more clutch shots and also had some great defensive moments.

The clutch shots he hit down the stretch of games in the bubble have been huge. Either to close games out like against the Rockets, or to keep them in it ala the Memphis Grizzlies. Melo has been a plus player on this Blazers team when he was needed the most.

The final game of the regular season shouldn’t have too much bearing on how people reflect on Melo’s season in Portland. Melo has shown that he still has a lot left in the tank and can help another team in the 2020/21 season.

The Blazers should probably look to bring Melo back next season if possible. He deserves it.

Portland Trail Blazers have been at their best in the NBA Bubble. dark. Next