NBA Hoops

Why Carmelo Anthony could be a short-term fix for Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns want a Power-Forward

Brief panic after a non-contact injury sustained on Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers now has the Phoenix Suns hit with an early bout of adversity in the form of injury.

Third-year forward Cam Johnson has sustained a right meniscus tear and had surgery to snip the injury early this week, enabling him to return sooner than had he gone the repair route.

The North Carolina product will be sidelined for “one to two months,” as per ESPN’s Brian Windhurst.

In light of that news, which is also compounded by the absence of Jae Crowder, or even a return for the disgruntled veteran forward, the Suns have taken a severe hit to their wing group.

An idea I’ve quietly kept in my back pocket, and felt more and more sensical as the Crowder’s situations grew untenable, is for the Phoenix Suns to bring in an evolved scorer from free agency to infuse the bench with versatility, shot creation, floor spacing, and more veteran experience.

Carmelo Anthony could fill some needs for the Phoenix Suns

Carmelo Anthony is the answer, at least in the short term. The 6’7 forward has bounced around the last five seasons, but his most recent stint in Los Angeles was one that was rather impressive given his role.

The Lakers were a mess last season, but it was hardly the fault of Anthony in any capacity.

The veteran swingman, in a 26-minute role, averaged 13.3 points per game while shooting 52.1% from two and 37.5% from three on 5.8 attempts.

Even more, he shot 37.5% on his catch-and-shoot opportunities, proving still viable enough when stashed one pass away, while also plenty capable of creating his own looks from the post or in the midrange, shooting 49.4% from two on pull-ups.

From the corners, he was at a solid 44.7% clip on a career-high mark in attempts and makes per game.

Above the break, he was at 35.8% with 90.4% of his attempts from there coming via an assist, staying disciplined in his evolved role.

He operated, on less volume, in a manner conducive to a winning environment, and as a weapon that could certainly exceed in production what his role would suggest at any given moment.

He had 23 games last season where he scored 16 or more points, including 11 where he was north of the 20-point threshold.

For a middling, presently ranked 12th in scoring, bench unit, they could use a shot in the arm in the form of versatility, unbashful shot-taking, and shot creation from all three levels.

Anthony would be able to exist well in the fold with a Cameron Payne type of guard who…

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