Carmelo Anthony to the Miami Heat could be a dream or nightmare

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 27: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat and Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks greet each other before the opening tipoff at Madison Square Garden on November 27, 2015 in New York City.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 27: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat and Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks greet each other before the opening tipoff at Madison Square Garden on November 27, 2015 in New York City.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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MIAMI, FL – APRIL 9: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat hug after the game on April 9, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – APRIL 9: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat hug after the game on April 9, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Power of Friendship

The NBA has no shortage of BFF’s. Like any workplace, players regularly gallivant with each other, forming bonds that cross even the most competitive of boundaries.

None of the league’s pairing are more noteworthy than the “Banana Boat Crew”. Comprised of Anthony, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Paul, this group is bound by more than the hardwood.

In between taking joint vacations, the team has shared the stage at the ESPYs and the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend, speaking on the social responsibilities of athletes. Though the four have yet to play in the NBA together, they’ve often discussed the possibility of forming a super team.

The likelihood of the stars aligning to create such a team are slim, but seeing two of the crew share the court is a real possibility. Wade, whose future in Miami is still shrouded in mystery could stand as a bargaining power to lead Anthony to South Beach.

If Wade’s word isn’t enough, joining Miami’s storied franchise could be the turning point in Anthony’s career. With the support of Miami’s elite training staff, Anthony could blossom into his peak physical form, taking nods from the work done to Wade and James Johnson before him.

At his best, Anthony is a lethal scorer. His ability to dice up the mid-range is an underrated tool in a league that favors attacks at the rim or from 3-point land.

Though his past is sullied by poor ownership and mismanagement, joining Miami as an undisputed first option could make for a career year, bolstered by a young core that can compliment Anthony’s deficiencies on defense.