Carmelo Anthony has missed the Houston Rockets’ last two games with an illness, which coincidentally was reported last week, a day after he shot 1-11 in a blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Let’s be real: he’s not the only problem in Houston. But he’s been, statistically, one of the worst defenders in the league. His inefficient 40% clip from the field just isn’t enough to make up for his defensive failings anymore.
It seems the Rockets agree.
On Sunday, Marc Stein of the New York Times reported that the team and Anthony would be parting ways in some fashion.
The Rockets have denied they are waiving Carmelo Anthony, but two sources close to the situation say Anthony has been informed that his brief time with the team will soon be ending. Anthony has been listed as "out" for Houston's game tonight against Indiana due to illness
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 11, 2018
Even Rockets’ GM Daryl Morey has denied that the organization is letting Melo go, but according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon late Sunday night, members of the team believe he is gone.
Sources: Rockets players and coaches believe that Carmelo Anthony has played his final game for the franchise.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) November 12, 2018
After signing a 1-year, $2.4 million deal, the 34-year-old Anthony is averaging career lows with 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 40.5 percent from the floor.
Update (11/16): It’s official.
For now, Anthony will remain on the Rockets roster, but will not rejoin the team, sources said. Anthony’s wisest course of action could be exercising patience and allowing changes in league rosters – through trades, injuries, team needs — to create more playing options for him. https://t.co/L5aC5Ueah0
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 15, 2018
Should he retire? If not, where is a good fit for Melo?