Carmelo Anthony is hanging up his jersey. The basketball great announced this Monday that he is retiring from the NBA after 19 seasons.
Anthony posted a heartwarming video to social media where he recapped his great career. “I remember the days when I had nothing, just a ball on the court and a dream of something more,” he began saying in the clip. “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.”
The 10-time NBA All-Star who was also one of basketball’s greatest scorers said in his IG video, “This bittersweet goodbye to the NBA, I am excited for what the future holds for me. When people ask what I believe my legacy is, it’s not my feet on the court that comes to mind, nor the awards or praise, because my story has always been more than basketball.”
In his video, Anthony went on to pass the torch to his 16-year-old son Kiyan, “My legacy now and forever lives on through you.”
More On Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony was a star athlete during his college career. He famously led Syracuse to its first national men’s basketball title when he was a freshman, before going pro. Melo has played in the NBA since 2003. He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets as the third overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft. Over his career, he has achieved numerous accolades, including being named an All-Star 10 times and winning three Olympic gold medals with Team USA. In addition to the Nuggets, Carmelo has played for the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.
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As a member of Team USA, Anthony won not one but three Olympic gold medals Rio in 2016, London in 2012 and Beijing in 2008.
Here’s How Social Media Has Been Reacting To The Big News:
After 19 NBA seasons, Carmelo Anthony announces he has retired from basketball. A 10-time All-Star, voted on the 75 Greatest Anniversary team and one of the game's greatest scorers ever.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 22, 2023
Carmelo Anthony officially announces his retirement. We'll always remember his first game at MSG.
Thank you for all the memories @carmeloanthony #OAKAAK 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/xb3p6LJeuy
— x – KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) May 22, 2023
Carmelo Anthony’s arsenal and tools will forever be remember as one of the most unstoppable and nasty combos the game has ever seen. He can walk onto any court in any era of hoop and eat. Legendary run. pic.twitter.com/PHvudXEGHV
— Ball Don't Stop (@balldontstop) May 22, 2023
Carmelo Anthony will ALWAYS have my respect. Melo would pull up to Parkhill to hoop and he was loved in the city. He was my favorite Nugget as a kid and he carried us to the playoffs every season he was in Denver. Thanks for the memories. #STAYME7O https://t.co/E7CXZmcXn7
— Swipa (@SwipaCam) May 22, 2023