Carmelo Anthony has been out from the actual game for a while but it seems like he never missed a beat.
The Portland Trail Blazers forward celebrated his return to the NBA by winning an award. The 35-year old took home the Western Conference Player of the Week award just six games into his return.
It's surprising how Anthony, who had trouble finding a team during the offseason immediately won such honor despite a very lengthy absence.
Carmelo Anthony wins player of the week
Anthony played just 10 games with the Houston Rockets last season before the team “parted ways” with him. The Rockets traded Anthony to the Chicago Bulls in January, but Anthony didn't see action with them.
He expressed a desire to return to the NBA during the offseason but took until November before a team actually wanted him. That was how Anthony landed with the Trail Blazers.
Anthony has performed well in Portland averaging 17.7 points and 6 rebounds in his first six games with the team. He came out strong in his last three games, averaging 22.3 points 7.7 rebounds.
Anthony has performed well in Portland averaging 17.7 points and 6 rebounds in his first six games with the team. He came out strong in his last three games, averaging 22.3 points 7.7 rebounds.
Did Anthony actually deserve the award?
The early story of a career comeback may have added some drama effects to the decision but many fans are pointing out Luka Doncic and James Harden to be the actual candidates as both put up better numbers over the same time period.
At the other side of the conference, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo unanimously won player of the week and fans didn't bother. It is very likely that Anthony’s comeback story made a difference. It was similar to James winning the MVP award in 2013 even though Kevin Durant was the better performer statistically. It was by virtue of his team's 28-game win streak that season. Anthony's recent award is of the same virtue.
His performance after months away from basketball has been impressive, and it's what actually helped his case. Doncic and Harden have plenty more chances to win it once the criteria evens up again in the succeeding weeks.
Did Melo deserve to win Player of the Week? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
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