Boston Celtics: Making the case for Carmelo Anthony

As the Boston Celtics found out that forward Danilo Gallinari will be out for six to 12 months due to a torn left ACL, they saw a spot open up on their roster that gives a particular player a perfect opportunity to step in and produce immediately: Carmelo Anthony.

Even as he turned 38 this year, Anthony showed he can still produce at a solid pace. Last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, he averaged 13.3 points and 4.2 rebounds off the bench for 26 minutes of action per game in 69 appearances.

The 19-year veteran is entering what is arguably the twilight years of his career, and with one of the things missing on a resume that will no doubt put him in the Hall of Fame is an NBA title, joining the Boston Celtics will give him that last chance to do do.

Boston made splashes throughout the offseason by signing Gallinari off waivers and trading for guard Malcolm Brogdon to strengthen its bench depth. With the former being out for the rest of 2022 and a good chunk of 2023, this is where Anthony makes a perfect fit.

The main reason Boston acquired Gallinari is to improve its perimeter shooting off the bench. While he is by no means the best defensively, this is where Anthony can replicate Gallinari’s offensive production at a similar pace.

Gallinari is arguably one of the best 3-point shooters in the league, knocking them down at a 38.1% clip on 4.5 attempts last season with the Atlanta Hawks. As for Anthony, he has shot the three ball very well, making 2.2 shots on 5.8 attempts at a rate of 37.5 percent with the Lakers.

Even though both players are not great on the defensive side of the court, the argument can be made that Anthony is the better overall defender. According to Basketball Reference, he has the advantage over Gallinari in defensive rating (114 to 117), defensive win shares (1.4 to 0.8), and defensive box plus/minus (-0.8 to -1.2) throughout the 2021-22 campaign.

If the Boston Celtics decide to sign Anthony, it will most likely be a one-year deal. But if Anthony plays to the level we know he is capable of doing off the bench, the team may have found itself a player determined to give his career one last run at the coveted Larry O’ Brien trophy.