Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a game on March 7, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas ; Carmelo Anthony's daughter Genesis Harlo Anthony in December 2024.
Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a game on March 7, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas ; Carmelo Anthony's daughter Genesis Harlo Anthony in December 2024.
Carmelo Anthony may be one of the NBA greats, but he cites his children — including his daughter Genesis Harlo Anthony — as his legacy.
The retired NBA star, who spent much of his career playing for the New York Knicks, welcomed Genesis with his ex, Mia Burks, in 2017.
While Carmelo’s basketball career has played out on a global stage, he has kept his relationship with Genesis mostly private, though both he and Burks have shared meaningful glimpses into her life over the years.
Carmelo, who officially retired from the NBA in 2023 after a 19-season career, honored Genesis in his retirement video, highlighting her as a key part of the legacy he leaves behind.
From themed birthday bashes to emotional shout-outs, here’s everything to know about Carmelo Anthony’s daughter, Genesis Harlo.
She was born in 2017
Carmelo Anthony 7 of the New York Knicks looks on against the Milwaukee Bucks during their game at Madison Square Garden on January 4, 2017
Carmelo Anthony 7 of the New York Knicks looks on against the Milwaukee Bucks during their game at Madison Square Garden on January 4, 2017
Carmelo and Burks welcomed Genesis in August 2017, while he was still married to his ex, La La Anthony. They had briefly split in April 2017 before reconciling in late 2018, until La La filed for divorce in 2021.
She celebrated her 7th birthday with a Knicks-themed party
When Genesis turned 7 in 2024, she celebrated in true “Carmelo year” fashion with a full-blown New York Knicks-themed party that paid tribute to her father’s iconic days at Madison Square Garden, per Sports Illustrated.
The celebration was packed with personal touches and plenty of orange and blue. Genesis wore her dad’s No. 7 Knicks jersey, while guests snacked on cookies decorated to match the uniform. The home was decked out as “Genesis Square Garden,” complete with tables styled like Nike sneaker boxes and a cake that featured both the Knicks logo and her father’s famous number.
“Today is all about YOU,” Burks captioned a since-deleted post on Instagram. According to Burks' Instagram Stories, Carmelo also attended the function.
Carmelo honored Genesis in his retirement video
Carmelo Anthony 7 of the Los Angeles Lakers against the LA Clippers in the first half of a NBA basketball game
Carmelo Anthony 7 of the Los Angeles Lakers against the LA Clippers in the first half of a NBA basketball game
When Carmelo officially announced his retirement from the NBA in May 2023, he did so with a heartfelt video that reflected on his 19-season career and the legacy he was leaving behind.
After reflecting on the early days of his career, he called his farewell to the game "bittersweet." He then turned toward his future, sharing that his stats, wins and trophies weren't the hallmarks of his success: his kids were.
"My story has always been about more than basketball," he said as the screen faded to a photo of his daughter, followed by one of his son. "My legacy, my son."
She has an older brother
Carmelo Anthony and Kiyan Anthony attend the game between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2024
Carmelo Anthony and Kiyan Anthony attend the game between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2024
Genesis' older brother, Kiyan Anthony, is the only child of Carmelo and his ex-wife La La. He followed in his dad's footsteps when, in November 2024, he committed to Syracuse University, where Carmelo famously led the team to a national championship in 2003.
Choosing Syracuse came with its share of expectations, given the legacy his father left behind. But for Carmelo, the priority is Kiyan’s growth, not comparisons.
“I just want him to get on campus, have a good year, develop, get better on the court. ... Now, it's about basketball. It's about developing, you don't have no time for anything else,” Carmelo told Sports Illustrated in March 2025.
Tall Like Me by Mia Burks.
Mia Burks
With a dad who stands at 6'7", it’s no surprise that Genesis is already showing signs of inheriting Carmelo's height. While being tall can come with its perks, it can also make a child feel different — which her mom wanted her to embrace early on.
As a result, Burks wrote Tall Like Me, a children’s book centered on height, self-confidence and celebrating individuality. The main character, Harlo, which is Genesis’s middle name, discovers that being tall comes with plenty of fun and endless possibilities.