Carmelo Anthony announced his retirement from the NBA on May 22. While the 38-year-old had not played since the 2021-22 season, the news still came as something of a shock to many. In his prime, Anthony was one of the best shooters in the NBA. Furthermore, he finishes his career as the 9th all-time scorer in the league.
After a stellar career at Syracuse University, which included a national championship in his freshman year, Anthony was the third-overall pick in the 2003 draft. He spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Nuggets. before being sent to the Knicks in a blockbuster 2011 trade. After six years in New York, Melo was once again traded, this time heading to Oklahoma City. Less than a year later, he was infamously traded to the Hawks only to be waived five days later without ever suiting up for the team. However, the final years of his career were defined by bouncing from team to team. He played what would become his last season with the Lakers in 2021-22.
Hip Hop Reflects On Melo's Legacy
In the wake of the announcement, many big-name stars in the sports world and beyond have shared their thoughts on Melo. First, there was Nas, who narrated an Air Jordans video about Melo's career. “He didn’t do it for the accolades or the Hall of Fame votes,” Nas said over footage of Melo's many jerseys. “Boy did it for the kids from Red Hook, the crew from the block, Murphy Homes projects, San Juan, those with hoops dreams, dreams of hope and beyond. So when they look up, they see the sky for what it is: just another place for them to fly.”
Meanwhile, diehard Knicks fan Fat Joe shared his thanks to Melo. Anthony helped the team reach the second round of the playoffs in 2013. Additionally, it had been the first time the Knicks had done so since 2000. “Well done brother well done @carmeloanthony Congratulations you deserve all the glory,” the rapper wrote on Instagram. Furthermore, other tributes came from the likes of Metro Boomin, Ludacris, and 9th Wonder. What is your favorite Carmelo Anthony highlight? Let us know in the comments.