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Signing Carmelo Anthony would be a setback for the Warriors

By Nathan Beighle

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 27: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court prior to the start of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on March 27, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 27: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court prior to the start of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on March 27, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors are mixing a youth mixed with a desire to continue to compete for NBA Championships. That’s not typically a type of challenge most teams can complete flawlessly, but the Dubs did it last season.

They’ll look to an even greater difficulty in being crowned champion this season, arguably downgrading defensively with the loss of Gary Payton II in the backcourt and Otto Porter Jr. in the frontcourt.

The Golden State Warriors may have a roster spot open up, and while Carmelo Anthony would be a big-name signing, it wouldn’t be a smart one.

Now, this isn’t to say Melo can’t play. He should be able to find an NBA home, but he’s still a liability on the defensive end of the court. That’s where the Warriors should struggle, especially with Jordan Poole and two second-year players on the second unit.

Anthony ranked in the bottom half of defensive win shares for players that played in over 15 minutes per game and saw time in at least 30 games. Anthony was with the Lakers, a team that missed the playoffs last season.

He still was able to contribute on the offensive side of the ball which is the main reason most have confidence he will be signed before the season commences. Anthony averaged 13.3 points per game last season and shot 44% from the field.

Anthony has a long track record for relative offensive efficiency, having shot over 40% in each of his 19 NBA seasons. The 6-foot-7 38-year-old forward is a ten-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA player. He’s got a first-ball Hall of Fame resume.

However, for Golden State, it should be about adding strength defensively or signing a player with a higher ceiling. The Dubs should want to develop their young talent other than playing a score-first forward like Anthony.

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Anthony still has something left in the tank, and if forward Andre Iguodala calls it a career, there will be a spot on the roster open up. At the end of the day, Anthony isn’t the right player to sign for that final roster spot though.

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