NFL
By: Melo Williams
Carmelo Anthony, one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, announced his retirement from the league on Monday, May 22, 2023. Melo played for 19 seasons in the NBA, amassing numerous accolades and accomplishments throughout his career.
Anthony’s NBA career began in 2003 when he was drafted as the third overall pick by the Denver Nuggets. He quickly made a name for himself as a scoring machine, averaging 21 points per game in his rookie season. He continued to improve over the years, becoming a six-time All-NBA selection, a 10-time All-Star, and winning three Olympic gold medals with Team USA.
In addition to his scoring prowess, Anthony was also known for his clutch performances. He has hit numerous game-winning shots throughout his career, including a memorable one against the Chicago Bulls in 2012 that helped secure the New York Knicks’ first playoff birth in years.
Carmelo Anthony vs Kobe Bryant in the 2009 Western Conference Finals was a series for the ages. Bryant and Anthony battled it out for 6 games with Kobe and the Lakers winning the series 4-2.
Melo got close with the late Kobe Bryant during their stint with the national team. Bryant said among all the stars on that squad, it was Melo who he got really close with.
Anthony years spent in New York wasn’t wasted but could’ve been better. However the well known dislike between Carmelo Anthony and Phil Jackson, then New York Knicks President of Operations probably prevented the potential of what could have been.
“Me and Phil probably had three conversations, man. When we talk, we would sit in the office, lights out, couple of candles. We would watch film. And he would teach me how to break the triangle. So I learned it. But I think he was a little sick that I learned it before from Kobe from MJ. You know I used to sit with them and ask them, ‘what’s up with this triangle?’ I feel Phil hated that I figured it out on how to get to my spots, how to get what I really wanted out of that. So he used to always say I was manipulating the offense. He wasn’t flying with that,” Anthony said, per ALL THE SMOKE.
Melo signed with Jordan Brand his rookie year and remains on the roster.
Despite his many individual accomplishments, Anthony was never able to bring an NBA championship to his teams. He played for seven different teams throughout his career, including the Nuggets, Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers.
However, his impact on the game of basketball cannot be denied.
Carmelo Anthony ranks first in the U.S. Olympic men’s team career standings for games played (31), points (336), field goals made (113), field goals attempted (262), rebounds (125), three-point field goals attempted (139), free throws made (53) and free throws attempted (71).
Anthony’s retirement is a bittersweet moment for NBA fans. While many are saddened to see such a talented player hang up his sneakers, others are grateful for the memories he provided over the years.
When Carmelo Anthony announced his retirement from basketball he made a point to mention his 16-year-old son, Kiyan, a 6-foot-4 shooting guard and sophomore in high school.
“My legacy, my son, it’s in you,” Carmelo said in his retirement announcement video. “I will forever continue through you because the time has come for you to carry this torch. So (Kiyan), chase your dreams. Let nothing hold you back. Let nothing intervene. My legacy, now and forever, lives on through you. And I will always be proud of all that you do. Peace.”
Carmelo Anthony will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greats of his generation.
Thanks for the memories, Melo! Enjoy retirement and #StayMe7o !
Follow Melo Williams on Twitter and Instagram @_MeloWilliams
Carmelo’s career Averages/Honors:
22.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.7 APG, 44.7 FG%
2003 National Champion (Syracuse)
2003 Drafted NBA 1st Round 3rd Overall (Denver)
10x All-Star
2012-2013 NBA Scoring Champ
6x All-NBA
28,289 Career Points (9th NBA All-Time)
2003-2004 1st Team All NBA-Rookie
NBA 75th Anniversary Team
NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2003)
McDonald’s All-American (2002)
4x Gold Medalist
2x USA Male Basketball Athlete of the Year
(2006, 2016)
