Former Brooklyn Net Weighs-In On Melo Not In NBA
Ever since the Chicago Bulls waived first-ballot Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony on February 1st, 2019, his NBA future has been the topic of discussion. Back in February, There was mutual interest between the Los Angeles Lakers and Carmelo Anthony, but when Lebron James went down with a groining injury and Melo’s hope of joining the Lakers went with it.
Earlier this year, there was talk about Carmelo possibly going to both the Celtics and the Warriors, but nothing came of it. Hall of Famer Grant Hill was interviewed by Heavy’s Brandon ’Scoop B’ Robinson and
Hill replied, “I don’t think a team will bring him in at this point,” but I think next season a team will possibly bring him in,”said Grant.
Earlier this week, former Brooklyn Net, Joe Johnson spoke with TMZ about a variety of different topics including if Carmelo Anthony belongs in the NBA still.
“I think Melo still has a lot left,” Johnson said. “A bona fide scorer. So, I know for a fact there’s a lot of teams that he can help. I hate to see him not playing, especially in the NBA at this point.”
Numerous other players have been asked this same question, including Anthony’s estranged wife, Lala.
“Melo is a Hall of Famer, and I think it is funny how fickle today’s world with social media and everything has become what have you done for me lately. I don’t if they remember how good of a player he was and still is. Sometimes it’s the situation; it sucks to see as a basketball player to see people act he is something he is not, said Griffin.
“I have a feeling Melo will turn it around.”
“I think the analytics is what did that to him. He is a bucket that is what he is, and I understand the situation went a certain way, but he still is Melo. He still has a lot in his tank, and he can still play this game. I think situations have gone his way, but the slander, talk is crazy a lot of the time,“ said Miles.
After morning shoot-around in Dallas last month, Heat Center Hassan Whiteside had this to say about Melo.
“Wow a Carmelo question, said Whiteside, “Carmelo is a scoring machine.“
Blazers guard Rodney Hood told me March that Melo was still one of the hardest players to guard in the NBA.
“ Yeah definitely, I mean this is a guy who is probably to this today, one of the hardest guys to guard. In isolation type of situations and he is a legend. He is one of my favorite players to ever play and it is tough to see him go through what he is going through in the media. I think he can definitely help a team, especially when playoff time comes when things start to stagnate. He is a veteran, so I hope he lands on his feet,“ Hood told me.
A couple of weeks ago, the San Antonio Spurs were in Dallas to play the Dallas Mavericks. The Spurs beat the Mavericks 112-105. After the game, DeMar DeRozan was asked if he was surprised that Carmelo Anthony had not been signed.
“Yes, one of the All-time greatest scorers, Hall of Fame player. So, it’s definitely crazy not to see him out there, but I’m confident he will be back out there,” DeRozan told me.
This past weekend the Cavaliers ended a three-game road streak in Dallas, as they took on the Dallas Mavericks. Before morning shoot-around, Kevin Love answered various questions from the media, including one about Melo’s game still being able to translate into today’s game.
“Absolutely! Melo’s game translates, and he is another guy I respect and admired for a really long time. The way he approaches the game and I think it is always tough to see these savvy veterans get a bad name with a 24-hour news cycle. But Melo can still bring a hell of a lot to a team, and if you get him on the right team, there is going to be a lot of firepower for those guys, Love told me.“
“I think Carmelo’s game still adapts to today’s game, it just has to be the right situation,” Kings Assistant Coach Bobby Jackson told me. With Carmelo situation being that he is 15 or 16 seasons in will he be willing to take a back seat by coming off the bench and being a limited role player in that offense. I think that is the biggest question with Carmelo,” said Jackson.
“This late in the season, unless you are really ready and have a specific need even after All-Star break. There has to be a team that has a need for his specific talent and he is A Hall of Famer, but like everyone else it’s it gotta be a fit,“ said Cuban.
However, there have been a couple of former players, who think it might be time for Melo to hang it up.
“No, he’s not going to play in the [NBA] Playoffs, he’s done for the year.” So, that only leaves next season, “That’s going to be interesting it might be over,” Barkley told Heavy.
“It is kind of hard to say I am shocked or not [that Melo is unsigned.] In all fairness, he has had a great career I love Carmelo’s game and he was a true professional everywhere he went. I have never heard anyone say anything bad about him, but he still doesn’t fit some of the teams and they feel they have enough or he doesn’t bring any value them. That is probably why he is not picked up, but at the same time, I don’t want to see him on another team just me being selfish. I feel like he ’s had an H*** of a career run off into the sunset, be a father, and enjoy your family,“ Marion told me.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
