Carmelo Anthony doesn’t seem to be all-in on the resumption of the season amid the unrest in the United States.
The NBA is set to return in a limited capacity by the end of July. All games will be played within the massive Disney World compound in Orlando Florida. Only 22 teams are scheduled to play in the modified season.
For the past weeks, the unrest in several cities across the United States has brought out the voices of several NBA players. Many have joined the peaceful protests.
The majority of them showed up and gave speeches as well. As the NBA is set to return in a few weeks, some players are unsure whether the resumption is prudent or not.
Carmelo Anthony’s mixed feelings
Carmelo Anthony almost sat out the entire season when no team signed him during the greater part of the off-season. Fortunately, the Portland Trailblazers took a gamble on him, after losing several big men in their line-up. Carmelo signed a non-guaranteed deal last November. Since then, he has been a crucial part of the team.
Before the season was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, he averaged 15.3pts, 6.3 rebs, and 1.6 sts in 32.5 minutes of playing time. For a 35-year-old player, these numbers stack up to be quite serviceable for a playoff vying team.
Carmelo admitted to Los Angeles Lakers Forward Kyle Kuzma:
“As far as basketball goes, I’m ready for it and excited to get back to work.”
He added:
“But to be honest with you, I’m still battling on travelling to Orlando amid everything going on. Just being isolated away from the rest of the world is why I have mixed feelings about the NBA returning.”
Anthony’s sentiments aren’t unique. Not surprisingly, former Lakers forward Matt Barnes is calling for the league to completely cancel the season.
Trailblazers’ tough spot
Portland is, currently, placed in the 9th spot in a tightly contested Western Conference. They are three games behind the young Memphis Grizzlies. As such, Carmelo Anthony needs to step up more to strengthen his veteran presence in the locker room.
Not only that, but the Blazers will also need his killer instinct during clutch situations. His “mixed feelings” about the resumption of the season cannot hinder his purpose in the team. Any player that leaves Disney World during the season has to undergo a stringent quarantine before returning to play.
They have to go under a ten-day quarantine and must test negative twice before being able to play again. Missing ten days for the shortened season will be a tough blow, especially for a playoff-seeking team.
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