After 19 seasons in the NBA, basketball legend Carmelo Anthony has officially announced his retirement, reports NBC Sports.
In a video post that he posted on social media, the future Hall of Famer announced today that he is hanging up his basketball sneakers for good, as he reflected on his incredible basketball journey.
“I remember the days when I had nothing, just a ball on the court and a dream of something more,” he said in the post. “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. I am forever grateful for those people and places because they made me Carmelo Anthony.”
“But now the time has come for me to say goodbye— to the court where I made my name, to the game that gave me purpose and pride. But this bittersweet goodbye to the NBA, I am excited about what the future holds for me. When people ask what I believe my legacy is, it’s not my feats on the court that come to mind, nor the awards or praise, because my story has always been more than basketball,” he continued.
Concluding his message, Anthony paid tribute to his 16-year-old son and high school basketball phenom Kiyan.
“My legacy now and forever lives on through you,” he said.
Anthony burst on the national scene during his senior year at basketball powerhouse Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, where he was named a McDonald's All-American in 2002.
In his only season at Syracuse University, he averaged 22.2 points and 10 rebounds leading the Orangemen to their first-ever NCAA tournament title in 2003. He was also named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
That same year, Anthony was selected as the third overall pick by the Denver Nuggets in the 2003 NBA Draft in what is considered one of the greatest draft classes of all time. LeBron James was the first pick drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers; Chris Bosh was chosen as the fourth pick by the Toronto Raptors; and Dwyane Wade was the fifth selection by the Miami Heat.
Over the course of his remarkable career, Anthony was a 10-time All-Star as well as a six-time All-NBA selection while playing with the Nuggets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Lakers.
In international play, Anthony participated in four Olympics in 31 games which is the most of any U.S. men’s player. He’s won three gold medals and one bronze. At this year's Basketball World Cup which will be held this summer in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, he will serve as an ambassador.
In 2021, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Tributes and well-wishes have poured in from NBA stars to honor Anthony on his retirement.
“You’re such a legend and beyond my brother,” James wrote on his Instagram story. “Congratulations on a helluva ride.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver honored Anthony as one of the best players of all time in a statement released on Monday.
“Carmelo Anthony is one of the NBA’s all-time great players and ambassadors,” Silver’s statement read. “We congratulate him on a remarkable 19-year career and look forward to seeing him in the Hall of Fame.”
