On Monday, a week before his 39th birthday, Carmelo Anthony announced his retirement from professional basketball. He was an important player in the NBA since he was drafted with LeBron James in 2003. He is a six-time All-NBA selection and the league’s ninth all-time leading scorer known for his scoring ability.
Anthony played for several teams, including Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers. His dynamic scoring and ability to create shots earned him a name for himself; he entertained fans and fellow players equally throughout his career.
Anthony’s contributions to shaping the NBA landscape were significant. He was part of the star-studded 2003 NBA draft class that left an impact on the game. His retirement ends the era of a player that consistently displayed his scoring ability and competitive spirit.
Basketball enthusiasts worldwide will undoubtedly appreciate and admire Anthony’s retirement as his impact on the sport will be remembered for years to come. Anthony accumulated an impressive career total of 28,289 points and was selected as an NBA All-Star for ten seasons. During the most recently concluded season, he did not participate in NBA competition as he was not under contract. His last team was the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2021-22 season.
Anthony parted ways with the Houston Rockets in 2019, which seemed to mark the end of his career. However, he made a comeback the following year as a bench player with the Portland Trail Blazers. In that role, he showcased his scoring prowess once again by averaging 15.4 points per game.
Anthony’s versatility and accomplishments were not limited to the NBA; he also left his mark on the international stage. Representing Team USA, he won three Olympic Gold medals, further solidifying his legacy.
During his college basketball career, Anthony played a critical role in leading Syracuse University to the 2003 NCAA national championship. His outstanding performance during his lone college season caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection as the third overall pick by the Denver Nuggets in the NBA draft.
Anthony’s legacy as a versatile and accomplished player has been defined by his scoring ability, accolades, and contributions to the teams he represented. From college basketball success to becoming an NBA superstar, his longevity in the league has solidified his place among the greats of the game.