‘You’re one of the greatest I’ve seen play’: Peers pay tribute to Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his three pointer with LeBron James #6 throughout a 124-116 Lakers win over the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Enviornment on March 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Copyright 2022 NBAE Harry How/Getty Pictures/AFP
MANILA, Philippines—Tributes poured in for Carmelo Anthony, one of many NBA’s 75 best gamers who introduced his retirement on Monday.
Anthony performed 19 seasons within the NBA and was a 10-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA Staff member.
LeBron James, his nice rival and shut pal ever since their highschool days, led the homage. James and Anthony had been each drafted on the identical yr in 2003, going first and third total, respectively.
Their draft class together with Dwyane Wade was thought of one of many deepest in league historical past. Anthony’s retirement left James as the one remaining member of the category.
“Congratulations my brother. The place do I begin? Is it us all the best way again in highschool sitting exterior that lodge, all the best way to the battles that we had collectively I may keep right here and speak for hours and hours and hours and im simply so pleased with you man. [I’m] so blessed and humbled to be a part of your journey,” James mentioned in a video posted by ESPN.
“You’re one of many best gamers I’ve seen play. from the very second I noticed you in colorado springs, on the usa basketball Underneath-17 all the best way to me teaming up with you with the Lakers, you’ve at all times been one of many best I’ve ever seen play.”
Anthony, who turns 39 on Monday, was drafted by the Denver Nuggets and final performed for the Los Angeles Lakers the place he linked up with James in the course of the 2021-22 season.
He averaged 13.3 factors and 4.2 rebounds in 69 video games in his remaining NBA season.
(L-R) NBA gamers Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James communicate onstage in the course of the 2016 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater on July 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. Kevin Winter/Getty Pictures/AFP
Anthony and James in addition to Wade and Chris Paul shared a pair of Olympic gold medals with Staff USA in 2008 and 2012. The 4 had been additionally a part of the famed Banana Boat Crew.
“One for the report books my brother! Congrats @carmeloanthony!” Wade posted on his Instagram.
“Future Corridor of Famer!” Paul, who performs for the Phoenix Suns, wrote on Instagram.
Whereas Anthony didn’t win an NBA championship, he was a winner regardless. He led Syracuse to an NCAA title in 2003 and gained three Olympic gold medals.
Anthony, the NBA scoring champion in 2013, additionally acquired the NBA Social Justice Champion Award in 2021.
“High 10 scorer in hoops historical past. High 10 Denver Nugget. 3x Gold Medal Olympian. Legendary Syracuse Orangeman,” tweeted Corridor of Fame coach George Karl, who coached Anthony with the Nuggets from 2004-05 season to 2010-11.
Anthony additionally suited up for his hometown group the New York Knicks for seven seasons and had stops in Oklahoma Metropolis, Houston and Portland.
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