Add Melo to the Sixers’ short list

Could Carmelo Anthony be a viable option for the Philadelphia 76ers?

The general consensus seems to be that the Philadelphia 76ers should not pursue the aging former All-Star Carmelo Anthony.

Some of the obvious reasons are Anthony’s general demeanor; his declining skill-set; his hefty price tag, and his lackluster defense—all of these issues are worthy of heavy contemplation.

But what if we could put aside at least the price tag and deal with the rest of it? Would this be worthy of pursuit by Philly?

I actually think so.

Now again, I want to stress, that Philadelphia cannot pay him anything near the price tag on Melo’s option. However, if we could cut that in half (and a little more), I think a one-year contract is well worth the time.

Lets look at the facts.

The negative

Melo’s production was down this year.

By all accounts, Anthony’s statistics are scarce, compared to past years. The former Syracuse standout experienced career lows in minutes, field goal percentage, free throw percentage, and a massive dip in both free throw attempts and assists per game.

The reality?

Have you considered that maybe the lows experienced by Melo were a result of him moving from the Knicks’ first option down to option three (arguably four) with OKC?

If you eliminate last year, you’ll see that Melo’s decline in production is actually not as steep as you may have previously been led to believe. There’s also another factor as play here:

Russell Westbrook

Playing with Russ can be… difficult. We’ve heard players say that he hogs the ball, fishes for assists and rebounds—basically, that he is all about the stats. Even a Harvard researcher’s conclusions seem to agree.

If that is true, what kind of motivation is this for a former All-Star who is used to serving as the first option? It wasn’t good for George’s numbers, and it surely wasn’t for Melo.

In fact, Brodie may be more to blame for Anthony’s fall in production, than any decline in skill-set on Melo’s part.

All the rest

We have seen players in the past lose interest in the defensive side of the game if their offense isn’t processing smoothly—could Melo just be another casualty of such things? I think so.

As the old saying goes “winning fixes everything.” Perhaps, getting into rhythm and feeling individually successful may very well be a catalyst for more effort on defense.

Also, maybe a better demeanor could come from playing with a conference favorite and making a sound contribution to that team’s efforts for success.

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The fit in Philly

It has to be in a bench role and for less money, but the Sixers could use a career 45 percent shooter on the team. Carmelo’s career three-point percentage is right at the league average (35.7 percent). But, his percentage would likely go up, on the floor with the likes of Simmons, Redick, and Embiid.

Robert Covington’s did. Dario Saric’s did. Why? Because it is not an anomaly that the outcome of the shot changes, when the quality of the opportunities improves.

Anthony would also enter Philadelphia in the best situation.

A pace and space system of constant ball movement that doesn’t feature one player playing hero ball. Instead, it features a team of people moving the ball, looking for the best possible opportunity.

In a world where Philadelphia needs shooters and experience, Melo fits the bill.

If the organization can negotiate the right price, this is certainly worth taking a flyer on. And if it doesn’t work? Its only a one-year trial and I believe I have the ability to delete this post from existence…

Next: 5 potential two-way contract targets

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