The Rockets should sign Carmelo Anthony, but only under these conditions

By Tevin Williams

Jul 7, 2018

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 07: PJ Tucker #4 of the Houston Rockets defends Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half at Toyota Center on April 7, 2018 in Houston, Texas. 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

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2. Carmelo has to commit to playing defense

Throughout his career, Anthony has been known for his offense, not his defense. He isn’t the worst defender in the world, but he takes too many possessions off on the defensive end.

Last season, Oklahoma City’s defensive rating was 105.6 with Anthony on the floor. Unsurprisingly, this was the worst defensive rating on the Thunder among players that played at least 1,000 minutes.

Houston doesn’t need Anthony to defend the opposing team’s best forward because that will be P.J. Tucker’s (and hopefully Luc Mbah a Moute‘s) job. However, he has to give more effort than he has in the past.

Hopefully Anthony commits to playing better defense if he signs with Houston. He’ll likely play fewer minutes and his offensive responsibility will be less with the Rockets. That combination should give the forward the energy he needs on the defensive end of the floor.

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