Carmelo Anthony has formally taken his place in basketball historical past, getting into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Corridor of Fame and securing his legacy as one of many best gamers of his era.
On Saturday, September 6, Anthony acquired the distinction throughout the Corridor of Fame ceremony held at Symphony Corridor in Springfield, Massachusetts. NBA icons Allen Iverson and Dwyane Wade have been readily available to welcome him into the Corridor, sharing reminiscences of competing towards and alongside the Brooklyn native all through their careers.
Anthony used his speech to replicate on his exceptional journey, displaying gratitude to those that supported him and formed his path. He gave a heartfelt acknowledgment to his kids, Kiyan and Genesis, calling them the true motivation behind his success. “Your father isn’t good, however he’s proof that battle doesn’t imply give up,” Anthony mentioned, talking on to them. “Proof that the street may be tough and nonetheless result in glory.”
The ten-time NBA All-Star grew emotional as he continued. “Elevating kids on this world is revolutionary. My children saved me. They gave me a motive to maneuver previous ego, previous noise, previous criticism. They remind me that legacy isn’t what you permit behind, however what you elevate up.”
Anthony’s story started as a highschool phenom and McDonald’s All-American earlier than heading to Syracuse College, the place he led this system to its first NCAA basketball championship in 2003. After declaring for the draft, he was chosen third general by the Denver Nuggets, shortly establishing himself as one of many league’s brightest stars. In 2011, he was traded to the New York Knicks, the place he introduced power and relevance again to Madison Sq. Backyard.
Later in his profession, Anthony suited up for the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Path Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers earlier than formally retiring in 2023. His résumé speaks for itself, with three Olympic gold medals, a league scoring title, and recognition as one of many 75 best gamers in NBA historical past.
For Melo, the Corridor of Fame induction was greater than a profession milestone. It was a second to have fun resilience, household, and the influence of a legacy constructed by way of perseverance and fervour for the sport.
