Homecoming | Melo Is Back

This is the news all sports fans been waiting to hear, Carmelo Anthony will play the remainder of his NBA season with the Portland Trailblazers. Friday afternoon Trailblazer’s President Neil Olshey announced to the media. This opportunity seem like a perfect fit for Melo and his career as he received Western Conference Player of the week honours, averaging 22 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, not to mention going 3-0. It’s evident that Melo was the missing piece to Portland’s ball club; despite their sluggish start we are starting to see the potential as a contender in the western conference. The Baltimore native spoke about his experiences being away from the game last season and the importance of getting his “Mental Sanity” back. After being exile by the Rockets last season, Melo finished his season as a unsigned free agent. It’s great to see the future hall of fame back on the court.

MELO

Western Conference Player of the Week

“The physical part was going to take care of itself. I was going to stay somewhat fit.”

— Carmelo Anthony

The transition process hasn’t been much of a challenge for Melo as he accredited that to his personal relationships with All-star guard Damian Lillard and C.J.McCollum. During last season Lillard spoke to the media about his interest on playing with Melo, but management had other plans. This time around there was a greater need for Carmelo, multiple injuries plague the Trailblazers and they needed a player that could contribute to their offense load. Coach Terry Slots spoke highly of Melo prior to acquiring him in early November, Coach Slot encourages Melo to play free and utilize his unique scoring ability to be a threat. Playing with teammates that have genuine respect and admiration for your game can only make your job that much easier on the hardwood.

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Rip city

Guard Damian Lillard emphasized the need for Melo.

“Melo, he’s a Hall of Fame player. He knows his game. He’s a smart player. I think it would be crazy to try and put him in a box.”

— Coach Terry Slots

With his eyes set on “right now”, Melo is very transparent with his vision for the Trailblazers. He intends on finishing the season and playing in the playoffs; in a loaded western conference spots aren’t given, they’re earned. This will not be Melo’s farewell tour, He hopes to find a home here in Rip city as the fans and organization embraced him. Anthony spoke about his level of comfort being in Portland and playing alongside C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard. They got his back and it shows, during the thanksgiving holiday Damian Lillard Invited Melo over to his home for dinner. The NBA community have shown their gratitude to the Syracuse Alum on his return to the court, last weekend Melo had the chance to face off with his former draft mate and long-time friend LeBron James. Although Melo didn’t win, he reconnected with his basketball fraternity brother. It’s always bigger than basketball! When its all said and done Carmelo Anthony will go down as a hall of famer, joining greats such as Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Karl Malone.

Brotherhood

Carmelo Anthony faces off against LeBron James

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Thanks: @ESPN, @Bleacherreport,

Athlete: Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony)

Underground King | Lou Williams

Clipper Guard Lou Williams stopped by the All The Smoke podcast to chat hoops culture with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. The Underground Goat shared his experiences in the NBA playing alongside his idol Allen Iverson to winning his first Sixth Man Award in Toronto. Lou Williams is in the discussion for the best 6th Man in NBA history winning the award 3 times in his career. Watching Williams over the course of his career you’d see flashes of an emerging superstar. Lou doesn’t shy away from the big moments; His ability to seize opportunity is just the story of his life. Williams has earned the respect from players such as Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, and Allen Iverson. With all his unprecedented success Lou Williams wants to add a NBA Championship to his resume. With the addition of their 2 megastars (Paul George and Kawhi Leonard) Williams believes the Clippers are a top contender.

SWEET LOU

Clippers Guard @louwillville

“A lot of the young guys on our team follow our lead because of how we carry ourselves. ”

— Lou Williams

1. Star In Your Role: Prior to joining the LA Clippers Lou Williams had complications fulfilling a role on a team, he played on 3 teams during a 6 month span. It wasn’t until Coach Doc Rivers and Williams had a meeting to discuss his role and responsibilities as an intricate part of their ball club. In his last 2 season as a Clipper Williams average 20 + points and 5 assists as the 6th man. Williams has embraced his role as a 6th man throughout his career and gives credit to Doc Rivers for providing him with that golden opportunity to flourish. Williams won his first NBA Sixth Man Award in 2015 playing with the Toronto Raptors; He marks that as his most memorable award.

6 MAN

Lou Williams has won 3 Sixth Man Of The Year Awards.

2. “One and Done”: The NCAA system has continued to benefit off its student-athletes. Lou Williams isn’t a fan of the whole “one and done” rule because it inhibits players from pursuing their dreams and getting paid. If you go to college for a year, you’re not getting an education so there isn’t really a point for this rule. Williams was a McDonald’s All-American and joined Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James as players who made that jump into the NBA. With the wave of new talent (LaMelo Ball, R.J. Hampton, Bronny James) we’re starting the see players find different routes to the NBA, ultimately foreseeing the option of college. Personally, I think it’s time for the NBA to consider revoking the “One-and Done” rule or create a vehicle for student-athletes to go pro.

“I never been a fan of the NCAA. My senior year in high school I couldn’t find a reason to go to college. ”

— Lou Williams

U.G.K.

Slam Mag x Louwillville

3. Upcoming NBA Stars: Now in his 15th Season, Lou Williams is the vet in the locker room; he’s is paying it forward just like his vets did to him during the early stages of his career. When asked about some of his favourite upcoming NBA players he spoke highly about Rookie sensation Ja Morant. Morant has made an easy debate for Rookie of the Year. Morant leads all rookies in scoring and assists. Another emerging star Lou mentioned is Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the two spend a lot of time over the summer working out and playing in pick-up runs. Williams expects nothing but great things for his former teammate and has high hopes for his future in the NBA.

Rookie & The Vet

Guards Lou Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

“It hurt when Shai left because you can see him get better everyday. You literally watched him grow!”

— Lou Williams

Lou Williams continues writing his story; from a late second round pick to winning three Sixth Man Awards. Williams never loses sight on the importance of putting in the work each year and it shows. Williams scored over 13,000 career points and is currently averaging 22 points per contest. The Georgia native shares his insights about how much the NBA game continues to develop throughout its course. Williams is one who never played for any recognition and that’s what keeps him on edge; Williams has never been named an all-star but his numbers would state otherwise. When we start the debate for the best sixth man in NBA history names such as Jamal Crawford, Manu Ginobili, Tony Kukoc, and Lamar Odom all come to mind. You can make the argument that Williams is the NBA’s best sixth man. Some call him Sweet Lou, Uncle Lou, but he’s an Underground Goat.

Special Thanks: @allthesmoke , @slamonline, @laclippers

Athlete: Lou Williams (@louwilliams)

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgqeMEVQLAk&t=3122s

Producer: TGQ INC.