So this morning, Carmelo Anthony was upset about his Slam Ranking of No. 15. His response, classic--> Don't play yourself.
SORRY CARMELO, YOU PLAYED YOURSELF. 7 Months ago, I wrote an article of 30 Players I would take over Melo. To me it was easy: What does Melo do best, who produce similar numbers, and who is better on Melo weaknesses. Some of those guys I listed were way off. Oladipo mainly. But for the most part, I stand firm on my beliefs.
MELO STRENGTHS...
Offensively, as far as an arsenal of skills, KD might be the only player better than Melo. Melo can shoot anywhere on the court, and you dont worry about him on the FT line, or in the post. Lets be honest...NO PLAYER IN THE NBA CAN HANDLE THIS GUY IN THE POST, WHEN HIS MIND IS MADE UP. From High School to The Big Apple, we have allowed Melo to skate by with his offense. My only issue with Carmelo offensive game: He's not efficient.
HE HASN'T IMPROVED
Serious question. Since arriving to the NBA, has Melo gotten better as a player? Sure..well maybe. honestly, I'm not sure. Has he improved on rebounds, assist, steals? NOPE. Has he made players better? Think about this, JR Smith spent a huge part of his career around Melo and has done ZERO for the game of basketball until Lebron James was into his career. Seriously ask yourself, has Melo made a team better? Denver? Shoutout to Billups and The Knicks are a joke to the NBA to everyone. Lets not blame it on help either. I've seen Lebron do more with less...even when LBJ wasn't a good as Melo. (Another discussion for another day). FINALLY - Do we even want to discuss Melo defensive game? Who in the NBA is scared of Carmelo Anthony guarding him? NO DAMN BODY! -> LET ME BE CLEAR, NO DAMN BODY!
So lets be honest...Where does Melo rank for the 2016-2017? Below is my list, updated of course, but share your thoughts and rank with me!
PLAYERS I'D TAKE OVER MELO: (UNRANKED)
THE 'NO BRAINERS' (20)
All of the guys below, either are better than Melo offensively, OR are just as good but better than him in other areas of basketball!
PGs: Stephen Curry, Westbrook, Damien Lillard, Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving
Shooting Guards: Dwayne Wade, Klay Thompson, James Harden, Jimmy Bulter
Small Forwards: Kwai, Lebron, Kevin Durant, PG 13,
Power Forwards: Anthony Davis, Lamarcus Aldridge, Draymond Green, Blake Griffin, Paul Milsap
Centers: Boogie (Cousins), Marc Gasol,
SERIOUS CONSIDERATION
So here are my guys that I would take OVER Melo! Think of it like this, if we were playing Fantasy Basketball and if you wanted to trade for Melo, I want one of these guys! Basically, the produce offensively his numbers, but they bring other things to the table. Also I believe the argument can be made Melo is better than these guys.
Isisah Thomas, Kemba Walker, Kyle Lowry, Derozan, Gordon Hayward, Andrew Wiggins, The Greek Freak and Karl Anthony Towns.