Carmelo Anthony probably shouldn’t go to the Rockets

Carmelo Anthony probably shouldn’t want to play for the Houston Rockets — and the Rockets shouldn’t really want to add him either.

Like any Syracuse Orange fan, I’ll irrationally defend him forever. But when evaluating where he could fit at this point in his career, the pace- and perimeter-focused Rockets simply don’t mesh with what he can do (or what he’s ever really been capable of). Plus he’s played for Houston coach Mike Dantoni before and it didn’t go well. AND given that the Rockets just lost two of their best defenders in free agency (Trevor Ariza, Luc Mbah a Moute), Carmelo also doesn’t really make things better there.

Numerous teams have been thrown around as possibilities for him at this juncture. And while the Rockets are most likely given his preference and the desires of friend Chris Paul, he’d probably fit better with teams like the Lakers, Heat or 76ers. Recent seasons have shown what happens when ‘Melo isn’t on a team that fits his skill set. There’s little reason to hope for a repeat in Houston this season.

That, and more of your Syracuse-related links below:

Boeheim’s Army 2018: You can meet and greet the team next week in Syracuse (Syracuse.com)

Boeheim’s Army will appear July 19 at NBT Stadium for a Syracuse Chiefs game to throw out first pitches and sign autographs on the concourse. The Chiefs play the Louisville Bats at 6:35 p.m. It’s Dollar Thursday at the ballpark, plus it’s Christmas in July night. The Chiefs will wear Christmas-themed uniforms, Scooch will wear a clever Santa Claus disguise, all will benefit the Salvation Army.

Carmelo Anthony to the Rockets makes no sense whatsoever (SB Nation)

Everyone recalls that Melo played a huge role in ending Mike D’Antoni’s frustrating tenure with the Knicks? And we all acknowledge that the Rockets are already hugely dependent on isolation-heavy offense, something that Melo will only reinforce? And we all understand that Melo would be the second worst defender in the rotation behind only Ryan Anderson? (Yes, that includes counting James Harden.)

Clemson football: Revenge, dominance on the line when Tigers play Syracuse, Georgia Tech (Anderson Independent-Mail)

Once again, this game shouldn’t be close on paper. This time around, Clemson will look to do what it should’ve done in 2017, and tack a loss onto Syracuse’s record. Swinney generally has his teams ready to play in big games and keeps them from getting too excited, but it’ll be interesting to see whether or not the Tigers come out a little too eager to make up for last season’s blemish.

How quickly can UNC bounce back after a mulligan year? (SB Nation)

UNC is projected to dispose of ECU and WCU and is projected to lose by 16 at Miami. Every other game is projected within a touchdown. With iffy execution and some bad breaks, you could be looking at 4-8 or so. Strong execution, plus a little bit of improvement beyond the projection, could mean 8-4 or better.

Syracuse basketball in NBA Summer League: Richardson, McCullough, Lydon shine (Syracuse.com)

McCullough was 8-for-12 from the floor and blocked three shots. He was plus-1, one of the few Sixers to finish on that side of the equation in an 87-75 Wizards win. Rochester’s Thomas Bryant scored 16 and hauled in 12 rebounds for Washington. McCullough, a fluid 6-9 forward, is looking for a basketball home this season.

Phil Steele releases college football preseason top 25 (247Sports)

‘Cuse alum named to U.S. roster for Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup (LocalSYR)

The Chaos and Consequences of the BCS, 20 Years After Its Inaugural Season (Sports illustrated)

Dickinson Posts Season Best at IAAF U20 Championships (Cuse.com)