During the offseason, the Portland Trail Blazers made a series of trades to strengthen the team. Trailblazers general manager Neil Orsh said in an interview that veteran Anthony may start off the bench next season, which is exactly the role he has resisted in the past.
In order to prepare for the upcoming 2020-21 season, the Blazers will have many talents in the forward position: there are many options: Robert Covington, Derek Jones, Gary Trent, Rodney Hood And Nasher Little.
In the view of Trail Blazers general manager Neil Orsch, due to too many options in the forward position, Anthony will take the role of a substitute for the first time in his career.
At the same time, Neil Orsch emphasized that playing off the bench will not reduce Anthony's game efficiency, but his identity has changed a bit.
"Anthony understands us very well now. He may have to play on the bench. I think he will have more chances to perform in the second team. See who can start the small forward. We think it is Covington or Jones. Anthony is playing. The starting lineup may not have so many shooting opportunities, so the second team is more suitable for him, give him some firepower."
"Let him become the leader of the second team, give him a higher usage rate." After
left the Knicks, Anthony's team status has declined, but he has always resisted playing off the bench, and therefore has conflicts with the Thunder and Rockets.
analysts believe that Anthony needs to have the ball in hand, and he has few opportunities to start with Lillard and McCollum. After the opening of the
free agency market, the Blazers renewed their contract with Anthony with one year-end salary. Prior to this, the Knicks had a keen interest in signing Anthony, but the latter eventually rejected his old club.
Last season, Anthony played 58 games and averaged 32.8 minutes per game, averaging 15.4 points and 6.3 rebounds.
