yeah, i actually think the timing is important. i don't think he would have had as good an experience had he come here during lebron's first year like some folks wanted. i think his time in portland was good for him and let him figure out how he could still play whilst not really being in the spotlight.
I agree because of our roster construction at the time and I think it was vital for him to prove the he could get a roster spot somewhere on his own merit and not because he was friends with Bron. It's still wild to think that he could not get on any NBA roster before Portland took a chance on him.
well, yes and no. he's been a real problem defensively, even in portland, and his offense often doesn't cover for it (especially there). and this was fairly fresh off him sort of clinging to his quasi-alpha status in both okc and houston. i could totally see why teams were scared away, including us. he had to prove he could be happy playing a supporting role and could do enough to stay on the floor in that role. i think he did that, and now he's got one more title shot.
The problem in Portland is they already have to hide Dame on D, if they didn't have to do that, they have the personnel for Melo's deficiencies not to be an issue. I don't think there's a very long list of players who can get 15+ in their sleep with the array of moves that Melo brings. If you have a shotblocking presence, can generate pressure on the wing, and possess any sort of team D identity; I think he's an easy fit. I do think the break was good for him and humbling himself extended his career. But he's too talented to be banished from the league after a 10 game stint in Houston. That was way too soon to come to any decision on his fit. For example, just look at Westbrook in DC last year. The first half of the season was brutal, then Westbrook nearly willed them to the playoffs in second half of the season.
i suppose. i think the pendulum has swung a little too far to the optimistic side in this case, though (just as it swung too far to the negative when he was out of the league). again, my point was that two years ago he wasn't ready for the role we're offering currently. now he is, and that's better for everyone.
He's everywhere right now on this book tour. I don't think there's a single interviewer he hasn't sat down with this off- season.
Moar on that phone call this off season ... maybe. Or just another writer passing it along with his take. https://www.yahoo.com/sports/carmelo-anthony-lebron-james-gm-221103329.html
Carmelo is another Hall of Famer here to write a chapter in Laker Lore. I'm going to be cheering loudly for him. I think his role will be greater than anticipated.
Carmelo will be the Bob McAdoo of the next Laker title team. He will be celebrated and be a big contributor in winning that title, as McAdoo was.
I really like Rob saying how when someone like Bron or Russ kicks the ball out, that ball could be heavier for some players. But Melo's been there, and isn't afraid, where some younger or less confident players may stiffen up and clank, or pass it off to someone else. Good nuanced observation.
skeptical is how I would classify it But this is how Lebron teams are assembled. It's the mercenary approach, and 100% roster turnover was expected. Not my favorite, but we'll see what he has left. It may be unfair to say he's not a winner, but he hasn't won at the highest level yet, and effort on D has dogged him everywhere he's been. So yes, I'm skeptical.
When you have 2 max players with years in the league, certainly with 3, pretty much how it has to be done, with a lot of vets wanting to have a chance at a ring. Certainly Lakers / LeBron not the only team in that situation. The alternative of course was the “Kids” and next to no chance at a ring. I’m excited as bleep about the roster Rob put together.
It’s the 2k approach. I’m sure lots of people who hate Caruso and their Mom like it too. :THT Heart Hands: There is a unique joy and satisfaction in grooming your own talent. it’s a very different approach and a different skill set to Master, but this mercenary approach has also proven to be very effective.
Mercenary in this context the way your using it is a dirty word. These guys and their talents and smarts and willingness to have one goal and leave their ego at the door to go for a ring …. are going to be a total blast and entertaining as hell this year. You sound exactly like Sentient Meat now. Who were you going to max salary for their after rookie contracts out of D-Lo, Randle, Ingram, Lonzo and pay the going rate for Nance, Clarkson, Zubac, Hart and Caruso and win even 1 ring with not to mention in the thick of it last year wrecked by short off season and injuries, this year and next year? It wasn’t possible! I had to get over it and it’s no longer a thought even when I see the product on the floor and the style of play and the off the chart chemistry and listen to every last one of these guys speak in their interviews …. not to mention we still have talented new young homegrowns to root for.
The roster turnover every year is a complete turnoff. the roster this year is amazing, but I feel no attachment to the team. It’s an odd feeling. But, we knew what was going to happen when we signed Lebron.
