NBA News Roundup, Saturday, September 21st: Rockets owner backs Carmelo Anthony to return to the NBA, Klay Thompson wants to represent USA in Tokyo and more

By Tristan Elliott

Modified Nov 08, 2022 11:44 GMT

Carmelo Anthony remains without a team ahead of the new season

#3 Tilman Fertitta backs Carmelo Anthony to make a return to the NBA

Carmelo Anthony's time with the Houston Rockets was brief

After agreeing to a buyout with the Atlanta Hawks last summer, Carmelo Anthony joined the Houston Rockets on a minimum deal. The 10-time All-Star was expected to lead Mike D'Antoni's reserve unit, although the Rockets decided to part with Anthony after just 10 games.

Nevertheless, during an interview with SNY’s Ian Begley, Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta backed the veteran star to make a return this season:

One hundred percent. Let me tell you: there's a bunch of teams and I guarantee you if there's 150 starters for the 30 teams that Carmelo Anthony is still one of the top 150 players in the National Basketball Association.

During his 10 appearances in Houston, Melo averaged 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds. He has since been linked with a move to the LA Lakers and Brooklyn Nets.