Minnesota Timberwolves: The Pros and Cons of Carmelo Anthony

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Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Con Number 1: Lack of Defense and Playmaking.

The first thing to note about a potential Carmelo Anthony acquisition for any team is his lack of prowess on the defensive side of the ball. Carmelo is an offensive superstar, but his defense has been routinely questioned as negligent, to say the least.

Tom Thibodeau has been patient with the young Timberwolves on learning his style of defense. However, his patience would not extend to any veteran who is ultimately brought in.

Unless Carmelo Anthony takes his defensive game to the next level, odds are that a marriage between Anthony and the Wolves wouldn’t be a good one.

In addition to his lack of defense, Carmelo Anthony has a career assist total of 3.1 per game. Long story short he isn’t really known for making those around him all that much better.

He also appears genuinely disinterested in playing defense on any consistent basis.

Anthony is a good athlete and can play hard when he wants to. Unfortunately, he appears stuck in the cycle of superstardom where only offense counts.

He typically focuses on his ability to score on offense and not stopping his man from scoring on defense. This is particularly damaging to the Wolves young players who already have that problem. Thibs would love a veteran who can promote positive habits to his youngsters.