NBA season restart next week, Syracuse basketball players rostered

With the NBA season right around the corner from starting back up, there are plenty of former Syracuse basketball stars that will be on the court.

Former Syracuse Basketball Players on NBA Rosters for Restart

• Carmelo Anthony – Portland Trail Blazers
• Dion Waiters – Los Angeles Lakers
• Jerami Grant – Denver Nuggets
• Michael Carter-Williams – Orlando Magic

Although Orange fans wish this list were longer, the talent is nothing short of amazing. Between Anthony, Grant, and Waiters, there are three guys who can score 20 points or more on any given night. Carter-Williams is having his best statistical season since the 2015-16 season, putting up 7.2 points per game and 3.3 rebounds. The full official rosters can be found on NBA.com.

For Anthony and Grant, it will be about keeping their teams in the playoff race and potentially helping to pull off an upset or two. Melo’s Blazers currently sit tied for ninth in the Western Conference, so ‘Skinny Melo’ may need to muster up a few clutch shots to help them earn a playoff spot. Meanwhile, Grant’s Nuggets are holding down the third spot in the West, trying to compete with both Los Angeles heavyweights. Grant’s play off the bench, coupled with 22 trips to the starting lineup, has provided Denver with a key role scorer and rebounder to help Nikola Jokic and Paul Millsap.

For Waiters, it may be about finding his role with the Western Conference-leading Los Angeles Lakers. ‘Downhill Dion’ – one of the many self-proclaimed nicknames Waiters has given himself – has yet to play a game with the LeBron led Lakers. Waiters signed with L.A. on March 6, just days before the coronavirus pandemic halted the season. However, with Avery Bradley not playing out the rest of the season, and Rajon Rondo out with an injury for over a month, Waiters and newly signed J.R. Smith will both have the opportunity to earn playing time.

Carter-Williams has one of the toughest roads ahead. The Magic have virtually locked up the eighth seed in the East, most likely preparing for a play-in game against the Washington Wizards. If they do come out on top, they’ll match up with the NBA’s top team, the Milwaukee Bucks. The former SU point guard will have to stay on his a-game and provide solid scoring and passing as a backup.

The one thing all four players have in common (besides their Orange background of course) is the notion of proving themselves. For MCW and Waiters, it’s on a personal level of earning contracts for years to come. Grant has solidified himself as a solid NBA player, but can’t let down on the gas and has the challenge of helping lift Denver into a serious contender. And while Melo has accomplished more than 99 percent of the history of the NBA, he still has work to complete with Portland.

The NBA season starts back up on July 30, where we will get our first look at Waiters. However, Anthony’s and Carter-Williams’ first games are on July 31, with Grant’s first action coming on August 1.