Reggie Miller says svelter LeBron, Carmelo will be better
By Bryan Rose
The idea of LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony becoming even better basketball players is a scary thought for the rest of the NBA, but it’s something Reggie Miller sees happening.
More from Cleveland Cavaliers
- NBA insider: Cavaliers should consider trading Donovan Mitchell
- Predicting NBA’s Christmas Day Schedule: Lakers, Warriors highlight slate of postseason rematches
- NBA Rumors: 3 teams that should trade for Joel Embiid
- NBA rumors: How Donovan Mitchell could wind up on the trading block
- The new NBA flopping rules explained
In a league built around height and weight, the Indiana Pacers legend continued flourished despite his rather meager size and has often attributed his success to his lack of weight. Miller seems to feel that LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony both shedding pounds this offseason will benefit both players currently and for the long run.
Of course, such a sentiment would likely be better answered by a medical professional and/or a nutritionist, though Reggie Miller does make some sense.
We’ve seen players with a lot of weight issues struggle with their conditioning and game, especially as they aged. They didn’t have to be ‘overweight’ either, but the constant pounding of added weight (even a few pounds) can really do damage to the health of a player when you put in as much running time as NBA athletes do.
On the flip side, some have grown concerned that both LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony may lose some of their unique abilities with the loss of weight. Both Melo and James have been known to spend a significant amount of time in the post, though in fairness to James he’s still strong as an ox. Anthony likely didn’t lose much (if any) strength either and even if so, he’s more likely to play on the outside of the triangle for the New York Knicks this season so a post game won’t be as necessary.