With the NBA postseason just around the corner, the focus in the league has primarily been on the final stretch of the regular season as teams push to secure their playoff spots. However, Wednesday was a particularly special day for NBA icon Carmelo Anthony.
The former Syracuse standout and top-five draft pick spent the majority of his playing career with the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks, before concluding his career with stints on several teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Beyond his NBA accomplishments, Anthony is one of the most decorated U.S. Olympic basketball players of all time, with three gold medals to his name.
This week, it was announced that Anthony would be inducted into the Class of 2025 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a well-deserved honor that caps off his legendary career.
Following the announcement, the 10-time NBA All-Star received a heartfelt message from Magic Johnson, a fellow Hall of Famer, who shared his thoughts on the accomplishment and celebrated the impact Anthony had on the game.
"I want to congratulate former NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony on being elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame! @carmeloanthony," Johnson posted.
I want to congratulate former NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony on being elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame! @carmeloanthony
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 3, 2025
Throughout his career, Carmelo Anthony was widely regarded as one of the premier scorers in the NBA. Although he never captured an NBA championship, his individual achievements were undeniable.
Over the course of his 19-year career, Anthony was a six-time All-NBA member and was the 2013 scoring champion.
Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony Brett Davis-Imagn Images Brett Davis-Imagn Images
His scoring prowess was respected across the league, and perhaps the highest compliment came from the late, great Kobe Bryant, who once called Anthony the toughest player to guard in the NBA.
"For me? Yeah," said Kobe when asked if Melo was more difficult to guard than Bron. "Because myself, Melo, Paul Pierce, Durant's developed players that can shoot the long ball, have a great midrange game, great post up game, turnaround left shoulder, turnaround right shoulder. Melo does it all, and he's strong as a bull. I weigh a buck eighty soaking wet going up against that bull. It's fun but it's extremely challenging."
Related: Magic Johnson Sends Clear Message to Lakers Before Warriors Game
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This story was originally published April 3, 2025 at 5:01 AM.