Miami Heat: Two veteran replacements for Derrick Jones Jr

The Miami Heat were linked to Carmelo Anthony, who’s battled back to the NBA. His scoring prowess would no doubt erase any concern over Derrick Jones Jr’s absence.

Redemption Tour

As the tagline suggests, Carmelo Anthony returned from his one year away from basketball to immediately fill a role for the Portland Trail Blazers. Any doubts about his abilities as even solely a scoring forward in the NBA have since been silenced.

He’s averaging 15.3 points and 6.3 rebounds for Portland this year and has made it clear that he has no plans on retiring after the 2019-2020 campaign. While a return to Madison Square Garden has been rumored, Anthony would certainly fit into a role with the Miami Heat.

Should he be willing to accept a place on the team’s second unit, the 16-year veteran could shoulder any leftover scoring and rebounding needs. One of the more central aspects of Jones Jr.’s game is his efficiency on opportunities inside the arc: he’s shooting 67 percent from two this season.

Anthony is a known master of the mid-range and the quick drive game. He’s one of few players today that have refused to give up on what most analytics say is a poor percentage shot selection; and notably a career .472 percent shooter on 15.2 attempts in that area.

With his eyes still on a championship ring, Anthony would be a prime choice to replace Jones Jr. on the Miami Heat’s bench and possibly even give them a spot start or two. His basketball IQ and experience overall could be well suited for South Beach.