Atlanta Hawks: Should Melo Sign with Hawks After Leaving Houston?

After an action-packed NBA weekend full of trades, games and other news, the Atlanta Hawks fell to the Lakers by one point on some missed calls and LBJ heroics.

As always, LeBron James loves to destroy the Atlanta Hawks, and he succeeded again two nights ago with a tip-in dunk (and rim-hanging exclamation point) with only a few seconds left. One Tyson Chandler goaltend/block later, and the Hawks were toast – bringing their season record to 3-10.

Every game the Hawks lose, they get closer to Zion Williamson or RJ Barrett in the 2019 Draft, and this game also allowed the Atlanta Hawks’ youngsters to show some flashes – most notably point guard Trae Young, who finished with 20 points and 12 assists.

However, there was other news that broke during the weekend that might be of note to Hawks fans: the relationship between Carmelo Anthony and the Houston Rockets is seemingly coming to end, which begs the question: Should Hawks Legend Melo return to the ATL?

Sure, his time in Atlanta may have been short-lived as one of the many pieces of the multi-layered Dennis Schröder trade, but he was able to nab a souvenir from his time with the Hawks:

I know what you’re thinking: “He’s joking, right? He can’t be serious.” But bear with me.

Most of the rumblings seem to be that no playoff team is interested in Carmelo’s services at this point, as his value around the league for a skill set such as his is not particularly high. However, think about Vince Carter and Melo in the twilight of their years, both playing hard on a terrible Hawks team – helping the young guns navigate the choppy waters of NBA stardom.

For Melo, he would be going to a team that would love to have more butts in seats at the recently renovated State Farm Arena and a team that he has victimized on multiple occasions with strong performances. Against the Atlanta Hawks, Anthony has produced career-highs in three-pointers made (9), field goals attempted (36) and free throws attempted (24).

Surprisingly, the Atlanta Hawks also might be able to make use of Melo still has left in the tank. So far this season, Melo has a career-low usage rate (20.5%) and the third-lowest true shooting percentage (51.3%) of his career. Combine that with a career-high 40.6 percent three-point attempt rate, and you can imagine that Melo’s outside shooting, which has always been above-average at least, to improve with a spaced-floor courtesy of the Hawks’ myriad shooters.

Melo would also likely be able to increase his usage as a backup off the bench and heave up shots in garbage time. Anthony could also serve as a decorated tank commander if he plays poorly – allowing the Hawks to cement a lofty draft position ahead of a top-heavy 2019 NBA Draft.

Even though Melo’s heyday might be over, his career highlights are still among the most electric in NBA history:

Sure, his tenure on the Atlanta Hawks might be a bit of a novelty, but it wouldn’t it be fun?

There’s only one way to find out. Come on GM Travis Schlenk, let’s make it happen!