By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
The time has come for Carmelo Anthony to call it a career. After 19 years in the NBA, the scoring champion from 2013, and a four-time Olympian with three gold medals and a bronze, decided to retire from basketball.
He announced his decision in a video posted to social media.
“I remember the days when I had nothing—just one ball on a court and a dream for something more. But basketball is my outlet. My purpose was strong, my communities, the cities I represented with pride, and the fans that supported me all the way. I’m forever grateful to these people and places because they gave me purpose and pride. But this bittersweet goodbye to the NBA, I’m excited about 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,” Carmelo Anthony said.
Anthony then passed the torch to his 16-year-old son Kiyan.
“My legacy now and forever lives on through you.”
Thank you #STAYME7O pic.twitter.com/4au8cOd13s
— Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) May 22, 2023
Throughout his illustrious career, Anthony played for the Denver Nuggets (2003-11), New York Knicks (2011-2017), Oklahoma City Thunder (2017-18), Houston Rockets (2018-2019, Portland Trail Blazers (2019-2021) and Los Angeles Lakers (2021-2022), and recorded 10 All-Star Game appearances.
He is ninth on the NBA all-time scoring list with 28,289 career points and will be remembered as “the walking bucket.”
Carmelo Anthony is also one of the greatest players in USA Basketball’s history, as the American Olympic leader in games (31), rebounds (125), and second in several categories behind Kevin Durant, including total points (336).
This summer, Anthony serves as one of three global ambassadors for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
10x NBA All-Star, 6x All-NBA selection, 9th most points all-time and 75th Anniversary Team member…
Thank you, Carmelo! 👏 pic.twitter.com/Z3uRXCB5Xh
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2023