Carmelo Anthony‘s basketball future is as uncertain as it’s ever been. Earlier this month, the Rockets abruptly announced that he was no longer in their plans and that they were working toward a resolution to part ways with him amid Houston’s rocky start to the season.
Since his time with the team has officially come to an end, Anthony is still waiting to find out whether an NBA team is willing to take a chance on him. At the moment, his prospects don’t look very promising.
Anthony’s reputation has taken a major hit after his last two unceremonious exits from the Rockets and Thunder, and there’s a pervading feeling that his NBA career might very well be over. Some believe that if he wants to continue his basketball career, it’ll likely have to be overseas.
Apparently, many executives around the league agree with that assessment, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN:
Team execs have told @WindhorstESPN Carmelo Anthony has likely played his last NBA game, but what about the teams whose primary interest isn't, um, well, winning right now? Melo is a popular locker room guy, fan fave & if his defense is lacking, maybe a front office won't mind? pic.twitter.com/PIRNCzB1K1
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) November 30, 2018
Fair or not, Anthony had been painted as something of the fall guy in Houston after the team failed to live up to expectations in the early going following their run to the Western Conference Finals last spring, and several friends and colleagues around the NBA were quick to jump to his defense.
Despite the bleak prognosis, Windhorst was careful to point out that Melo could still find a home in the NBA this season if all the pieces fall into place. If not, then he may have to start considering the possibility of continuing his playing career abroad or retiring from basketball altogether.
