Camelo Anthony has retired after 19 remarkable years as one of the NBA’s most exceptional shooters. The All-Star took to social media on Monday to share his farewell message to the league and fans. Anthony was noted for his impeccable shooting skills and competitive drive and his departure from the NBA is undoubtedly bittersweet. However, his dedication to his craft has influenced many across the sport.
In the video, Anthony shared a heartfelt message, while keeping hope for what the future holds for him. Ghostface Killah’s “All That I Got Is You” played in the background while he wished the NBA goodbye. “I remember the days when I had nothing. Just a ball on a court and a dream of something more. But basketball was my outlet. My purpose was strong. My communities, the cities I represented with pride, and the fans that supported me along the way,” he said. “I am forever grateful for those people and places 'cause they made me Carmelo Anthony.”
Anthony’s impact and legacy are without question, and his absence will forever be felt in the league. From his impressive early days at high school to his stellar career strides, Anthony’s days on the court were filled with hope, highs, lows, and strength. As the NBA says goodbye to one of its greatest stars, let’s take a look at his illustrious career.
Anthony’s Early Days
A young Carmelo Anthony first garnered attention during his high school years in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2001, he was honored as the metro player of the year in the popular daily newspaper, The Baltimore Sun. During his time in Maryland, he gained other titles, including Baltimore’s County Player of the Year and All-Metropolitan Player of the Year.
Anthony continued to attract attention after enrolling at Syracuse University. He played under the training of Jim Boeheim and won his first NCAA championship in 2003. The Orangemen successfully defeated the Kansas Jayhawks while Anthony was still a freshman. He played for just one season, but made a significant mark, achieving 20 points and 10 rebounds in the final.
Boeheim and Anthony made magic together, and the coach referred to the rising star as the “best player in college basketball”. Anthony was awarded the Most Outstanding Player Award and quickly began the journey to turning pro. In the 2003 NBA draft, he declared his eligibility and left college basketball behind.
NBA Career Beginnings With The Denver Nuggets
Carmelo Anthony was the third pick overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 2003 draft. He debuted in October of the same year at the age of 19 and wasted no time etching his name in the history books. A major feat came when he was the third youngest player to reach the 1,000-point count, which helped him secure second place for the NBA Rookie of the Year honor.
Anthony also achieved a monstrous feat when he played a major part in redeeming the Nuggets’ horrific previous season. He took the team from a 17-65 record to a remarkable 43-39 in his debut season. In addition to this, the Nuggets ended up qualifying as the eighth seed. Anthony also became the first rookie in years to lead a playoff team in scoring.
The Denver Nuggets and Anthony continued to enjoy a fair amount of success in the mid-2000s. Anthony had already risen through the ranks to become a household name. His stunning performance as a prolific scorer began to cement his status as one of the best shooters the NBA had ever seen. Anthony spent a little over half a decade with the Nuggets before the rumor mill began making the rounds that he requested a trade.
Trade to New York Knicks
In 2011, Carmelo Anthony was officially traded to the New York Knicks. After a strong debut with the Denver Nuggets, all eyes were on the star to deliver once again. His presence in New York kicked off a massive campaign for the Knicks to achieve greater success. Anthony continued to impress, with over 25 points per game, reaffirming his strength as a scorer.
While with the Knicks, Anthony earned numerous NBA All-Star selections and All-NBA Team honors. However, regardless of his unquestionable status as one of the best shooters, the New York Knicks still suffered many losses. The team won only one playoff series during his seven seasons with them. Anthony would later ask to be traded after clashing heads with Phil Jackson, the team president at the time.
Later Years
Between 2017 and 2018, Carmelo Anthony enjoyed moderate success with Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets. As questions about his performance began to surface, Anthony came back swinging after signing with the Portland Trail Blazers. He kept beating his previously set high scores with the team as their games progressed. It was also during his time with the Trail Blazers that he joined the top 10 list of NBA all-time career scorers. Anthony ended his career at the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played with his longtime friend, LeBron James.
Carmelo Anthony’s Legacy
From his first year at Syracuse, it became quite obvious that Anthony was destined for greater success. He has amassed a total 28,289 points over his distinguished career and is the ninth on the NBA all-time scoring list. Anthony also achieved success with the U.S. national team, earning three gold medals and one bronze.
In Denver, where his professional NBA career began, Anthony is somewhat of a savior. The Nuggets’ turnaround after his debut is an iconic moment in basketball history. Anthony led the team to the playoffs in every season he spent with the team. He achieved several outstanding feats with the Knicks as well and is widely celebrated in New York for his contributions.
Beyond The League
Outside of the court, the seasoned basketball player was known for his charity work. He has also been dedicated to fighting social injustices and using his voice to champion good. Along with his colleagues and friends, he has provided aid and relief to many underprivileged people in his community and beyond.
As he stated in his retirement video, Anthony has passed the torch on to his son Kiyan, a buzzing prospect, and the son he shares with LaLa Anthony. The world will celebrate Carmelo Anthony for years to come, and a Hall of Fame honor is definitely underway.