Does Carmelo Anthony Fit With Phoenix Suns?

Rumors continue to swirl of Carmelo Anthony joining the Phoenix Suns, but is he the right fit for the team?

The Phoenix Suns already have at least two future first-ballot hall of fame players in Kevin Durant and Chris Paul. They may potentially add another one leading up to the playoffs.

Carmelo Anthony is one of the greatest offensive juggernauts of his generation and is waiting for a team to sign him so he can resurrect his career. Anthony last played during the 2021-22 season for the Los Angeles Lakers averaging 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists.

While he is 38-years-old, some still feel he has some juice left in the tank.

"Melo is one of the best to ever to play the game,” Paul said. “I’m obviously biased and hope he’s in the league soon because somebody of that caliber, with that ability, with the heart that he has, and the stuff he’s done for the game — he should be able to walk off the court when he’s ready."

Anthony may not be what he once was back in his prime, but still has the ability to produce as a solid rotation piece which the Suns could use.

"Should the Suns make the move and acquire Anthony, they will receive much-needed depth and veteran leadership since losing key pieces from their championship runs such as Cameron Johnson, Mikal Bridges, and Jae Crowder via the Durant trade,” NBA Analysis Network’s Aidan Wohl said. 

“Plus, the Suns could also gain more chemistry from signing Anthony with star point guard Chris Paul being one of his closest friends on and off the court. This could potentially provide a spark for Phoenix as it will take some time for the team to pick up where they left off since the blockbuster trade."

While Anthony is a solid player on the offensive side of the ball it's his defense that is the issue. Anthony has never been the greatest defender and it definitely has not gotten any better as father time continues to intervene in Anthony's career.

"However, Anthony's defense — or lack thereof — becomes a more glaring issue in the postseason, which is undoubtedly a consideration for any team that might want to sign him,” Bleacher Report’s Joseph Zucker said. “The Blazers had a minus-16.0 net rating with him on the court during the 2021 postseason, per NBA.com. It was a similar story during the 2020 playoffs (minus-17.1 net rating)."

It's clear at 38-years-old that Anthony has some flaws in his game. However, Phoenix does not need Anthony to be this superstar talent that he was with the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks. They just need him to play his role as a solid 3-point shooter that could space the floor.

Having a guy with the kind of accolades that Anthony processes is a huge boost for the locker room. Even just the presence of Anthony will increase morale in a huge way.

Similar to Paul, Anthony has yet to win a championship and what better place to do it than in Phoenix. Anthony and Paul, two great friends, could win their first NBA title together and ride off into the sunset as champions.