Melo Opts Out

[d-run]

and Tim Duncan

Yeah we would probably be pretty good if we draft a top ten player of all time and he stays for around 18 years

[Guest]

1. Chicago

 

2a. Houston (Melo/Harden/Dwight...that team will self-combust in a blaze)

2b. Miami (If LeBron stays)

 

3a. Dallas

3b. NYK 

 

 

Not happening. If he leaves the Knicks he's already gonna be taking a pay cut. Does anyone honestly think he will take a pay cut to come to charlotte?

 

It depends on what his options are. Let's assume that he has opted out to join a team that can help him win a championship. Also note that this whole "he won't come to a small market" isn't really a proper reason. If market size is what Carmelo Anthony is worried about, then he wouldn't be opting out of New York, which is a mecca of basketball. For me, I think he wants to go to a team that will pay him well and give him a chance to win a championship, and we can offer him that. But that also narrows his list somewhat to the following:

 

East

Chicago is a good place, but he has to gamble on Derrick Rose being healthy and returning to all star form, and that is no guarantee. Would a combination of Melo and Noah, with supporting players like Butler, Gibson and co be enough to get them over the line? I'm not sure. The other risk is gambling on Noah's health, because he has not played a full 82 game season in his NBA career to date, and has had some injury troubles. If both guys stay healthy, then this is a good landing spot. If both guys struggle, or one does, then he could be in a similar situation where he has to carry the team.

 

Miami could be a landing spot if everyone took huge pay cuts. Imagine having Wade, LeBron, Melo and Bosh on the court at the same time. It is potentially quite scary. But I am not convinced that all four players will take the pay cuts necessary to make this work, and to be honest, it wouldn't surprise me to see LeBron bolt. If LeBron did bolt, then perhaps the Heat could replace him with Melo...

 

Washington. This one isn't as silly as it might seem. In John Wall and Bradley Beal they have one of the best young back courts in the league. Wall is arguably a superstar point guard, or at least approaching it. Beal has the potential to be a borderline star shooting guard. Then they have a decent front court in Nene and Gortat [if he re-signs]. Slot Melo in at SF and that team should be one of the best in the Eastern conference. It could form a new big three in Wall, Beal and Anthony. 

 

Charlotte. Now sure we are a small market. But we have a talented team for him to join. We were one of the best defensive teams in the league, and that could help Melo's game. He would have freedom and a good supporting cast. We also have a good coaching staff. It is plausible that his addition could boost us into the top four teams in the Eastern conference, and with the added fire power we could contend for a championship. But like you, it is probably doubtful he comes here. 

 

West

Houston already has two stars in Harden and Dwight. Add Melo and that creates a new big three. The problem is that they aren't a very good defensive team, and adding Melo to the mix will not help that situation. They could out gun their opponents, and that might work with OKC, but with the Spurs? I'm not sure they get past them. 

 

Golden State could be an option if they don't go for Love. Now I don't know how they are for cap space, but if they can afford to make a move for Love, then they could afford to make one for Melo. Add him into that team and they could move up the Western conference for sure.

 

Dallas is a fairly good option. Dirk is still playing at a high level, and Ellis played very well last season. Throw Melo in, grab some good supporting players, and they could make a go of it. He'd also get paid well in Dallas. No state income tax either if my memory serves.  

 

Lakers won't give him instant contention, or at least it isn't likely unless they manage to have a good draft and free agency, but it is the Lakers. Pairing Kobe and Melo could be an exciting duo. They could grab a decent player in the draft, perhaps Marcus Smart to slot in at PG, or maybe Joel Embiid if he falls. Bring back Nick Young for sixth man, and find some decent reasonably priced free agents. It might be one year of transition, but they could certainly end up building a contender like the Lakers always do. He'd also be joining a huge market and should make a ton of a money from it. 

 

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Where do I think he will go? I'd say my top three are Chicago, Houston and the Lakers. 

Where do I think he should go? Probably here, but if he slots in at PF, him and Jefferson would be a worrying partnership defensively. 

[Rise of The Hive]

I wonder how accurate Melo and Bron wanting to play together is and how serious of a factor it is?