Carmelo Anthony is still struggling to land a spot on an NBA team, and Chauncey Billups knows why. The 10-time All-Star has not played a professional game with the league since he parted ways with the Houston Rockets last year.

Anthony, 35, averaged 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in his short stint wearing the Rockets uniform. He was traded to the Chicago Bulls in January but immediately released after the trade.

His former teammate, Chauncey Billups, understands his situation. According to the 2004 finals MVP, Carmelo is "still worthy" to play. He has to take a step back mentally if he's going to play for another NBA team.

He explained that Anthony must understand his new role among the back-ups. He also added that the US Gold Medalist needs to accept the fact that he's not the guy anymore. Billups said that he "feels bad" for Melo, he "was like a good teammate, and he practiced every day and didn't miss any games."

League executives are not currently interested in Anthony despite his eagerness to join a team. According to an earlier report from SNY, Melo is good friends with LeBron James, and the two could eventually reunite with the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, the Lakers have already made multiple moves, including the signing of Anthony Davis, and Danny Green. It seems that the team isn't interested in an aging superstar that is a liability on the defensive side of the court.

Carmelo Anthony
The Miami Heat may consider a Banana Boat reunion by adding Carmelo Anthony to the roster. Former New York Knicks Carmelo Anthony attends the game between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on January 27, 2019 in New York City. Getty Images/Elsa

Anthony said in January that he "wants to be happy." He has put himself in a pleasant, peaceful state right now. He added that whatever's going to make him happy. "then we're going to make it happen."

In late April he also said that he's open to re-signing with the Knicks. The star also posted several videos of him working out wearing a beanie, calling himself "Beanie Melo."

He certainly still has enough juice to provide quality minutes as a backup small forward. But that solely depends if he can be accustomed to the new supporting role.

In hindsight, Anthony still possesses a deadly jump shot, and he can directly contribute points off the bench. There is still time for him to find a team to play for, but it's just sad to see the former star out of the spotlight.

It will be interesting to see how his situation pans out. Hopefully, Carmelo Anthony gets a shot before calling it quits.

NBA Basketball