The 2003 NBA draft class was one of the most decorated NBA drafts of all-time. Carmelo Anthony was part of that historic draft class and was picked third overall by the Denver Nuggets.
The expectations from such a high pick are always high, and for the most part Melo has lived up to the hype. However, since leaving the New York Knicks, Melo’s career went downhill for a few seasons. He bounced from team to team, but ultimately found a home with the Portland Trail Blazers last season.
The Blazers placed trust in Carmelo, and he repaid the trust with his performances. In the 2020-21 NBA season, Melo and the Blazers are playing out of their minds. Despite being in the stacked Western Conference, the team holds the fifth seed in the conference.
While Damian Lillard is the superstar of the team, Carmelo Anthony brings veteran leadership to the locker room. Which is essential for any team hoping to get their hands on the glorious Larry O’Brien trophy.
Damian Lillard heaps huge praise on Carmelo Anthony
Tonight the Minnesota Timberwolves tasted defeat against the Blazers. In a 125-121 victory, Blazers’ Carmelo led all scorers on his team with 26 points off the bench. Following the breathtaking performance, his teammate Damian Lillard had nothing but praise for him in the post-game conference. Dame said:
“I always say he’s a Hall of Fame player and every game we are giving him the ball for and passing somebody on the charts. You know, for scoring history in the league. And you know he has done it for so long and he knows that at that time of the game the best players rise to the occasion.”
Like Dame explained, the best players always rise to the occasion when the game is on the line. Carmelo did that for his team tonight with a breathtaking fourth-quarter performance.
Moving forward, the team will expect more of the same from their veteran forward. But do you believe the Blazers have a shot at winning the title this year? Let us know your views in the comments section below.
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