Following a run to the Western Conference Finals in the 2019 postseason, the Trail Blazers entered the year focused on contending for a title. Injuries and the slow implementation of players acquired in a busy offseason have moved Portland’s record to 4-8 to start the season, pausing serious discussion of contention. On Thursday, the Blazers signed 35-year-old forward Carmelo Anthony in hopes reversing their early-season fortunes.
Following the news of the signing, The Washington Post’s Ben Golliver detailed the circumstances that led to Melo joining the Blazers. The former Blazer’s Edge contributor outlined the struggles that have plagued Portland through 12 games that led to Thursday’s news.