By Jordan Long
The Houston Rockets added Carmelo Anthony to the team. He is expected to come off the bench and play behind PJ Tucker. This is in hopes of the Rockets closing the gap on the Golden State Warriors and advancing to the NBA Championship next year.
One player on the Rockets who has played with Anthony during his career is center Nene. Nene and Anthony were teammates while they were with the Nuggets from 2004 to 2011. According to Yahoosports.com, Nene stated on twitter, “He can be whatever he wants to be. He’s talented. It doesn’t matter how old he is. When he commits to do the right thing and they use his talent, man get out of the way. Simple as that. For me he’s a top-10 player in the league, still.”
Nene isn’t wrong. Ever since Anthony was drafted in 2003, he has proven he can score in the NBA. Anthony is able to drive on opponents for easy buckets and can also hit the outside shots for 3’s shooting 34.7%. Anthony averaged 24.1 points per game in his career to this point. Anthony, in terms of offensive production, is a top-10 player in the league.
Where I disagree with Nene and why I wouldn’t put him in the top-10 is defense. He doesn’t seem too interested in defense. He will be on his man and put a hand in his face but won’t try to block the shot. That is great and all, but when a player drives into the lane, Anthony isn’t interested in guarding him. He averaged 0.5 blocks and 1 steal per game in his career.
The only part of his defense that is tolerable is rebounding. He is able to box out and fight for rebounds. This doesn’t allow opponents second chance opportunities. He averaged 4.8 defensive rebounds per game in his career.
Anthony could be a top 10 player in the league if he wanted to. He hasn’t worked on improving his defense which is the biggest difference between LeBron James and him. James is one of the best players in the NBA, not only because of his offense, but defense. James can score but he also works on his defense. He is always hustling on defense and playing on his man making it difficult to make baskets against him. Even when they drive into the lane, James is right there for a tough look at the basket.
Nene has to be excited to have Anthony as a teammate again. He knows the Rockets, at least on offense, will be improved. Who knows if adding Anthony will end in an NBA championship next season.
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