Veteran basketball icon and soon-to-be Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony has undeniably left a significant mark on the NBA throughout his illustrious 19-year career. A proud Syracuse University alum, Anthony was a formidable force on the court, earning a remarkable 10 All-Star selections, a six-time All-NBA Team nod, and a coveted scoring champion title to his name. Despite narrowly missing out on the Rookie of the Year award to LeBron James in the 2003-04 season, Anthony managed to secure a top 20 spot in MVP voting an impressive six times. Notably, during the 2012-13 season, he clinched the third-highest number of votes, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier player in the league.
Having played for multiple teams over the course of his career, it is undeniable that Anthony’s tenure with the New York Knicks stands out as one of the most iconic and memorable. From 2011 to 2017, Anthony showcased his talents in the Big Apple, establishing himself as a marquee player in the league. However, his time with the Knicks concluded on a disappointing note, with the team failing to secure a playoff berth in his final four seasons. This led to his eventual trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder before the 2017-18 season.
Recently, Anthony disclosed that he came close to re-joining the Knicks in 2022, a move that would have undoubtedly sent shockwaves throughout the basketball world. Yet, ultimately, the 40-year-old sharpshooter opted to hang up his sneakers and call time on his illustrious career. His final season with the Los Angeles Lakers saw him contribute consistently off the bench, averaging 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1 assist per game, showcasing his enduring skill and versatility on the court.
Following his departure from the Knicks, Anthony went on to play for the Thunder, the Houston Rockets, and the Portland Trail Blazers, showcasing his scoring prowess and tenacity in each stint. Averaging 14.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists during this period, Anthony proved that his talent transcended team affiliations.
While Anthony’s time with the Knicks may be etched in the memories of many fans, his tenure with the Denver Nuggets is equally significant. Before his trade to New York, Anthony was a standout star in Denver, captivating audiences with his scoring prowess, averaging 24.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals over eight seasons with the Nuggets.
Speculation swirled when news broke of Anthony’s potential return to the Knicks in 2022. However, it soon became evident that the seasoned veteran had chosen to retire, opting to end his career on his own terms. While a reunion with the Knicks would have undoubtedly made headlines, it was apparent that Anthony’s skills had evolved since his initial tenure with the team. Ultimately, his decision not to re-sign with the Knicks was a testament to his commitment to ending his storied career on a high note.
