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Who Is Carmelo Anthony?
Carmelo Anthony, an illustrious basketball star, rose to prominence as the top high school player in the United States before making his mark in collegiate and professional basketball. Born on May 29, 1984, in Brooklyn, New York, Anthony grew up in Baltimore, where he faced numerous challenges. As a freshman at Syracuse University, he led the team to a national championship in 2003. That same year, he was drafted third overall by the Denver Nuggets, solidifying his status as one of the NBA’s premier scorers. Over his remarkable career, Anthony played for multiple teams, including the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers. After 19 seasons in the NBA, he announced his retirement in May 2023.
Early Years and Basketball Start
Carmelo Kyam Anthony was raised as the youngest of four children by his mother, Mary, after the death of his father, Carmelo Iriarte, from liver failure when Anthony was just two years old. Growing up in the challenging environment of Baltimore’s Pharmacy neighborhood, Mary instilled a strong sense of discipline in her children, emphasizing the importance of education alongside sports.
Initially, Anthony showed a keen interest in basketball, but it wasn’t until he faced setbacks, such as being cut from his high school team as a freshman, that he began to dedicate himself seriously to the sport. By his sophomore year, having grown five inches, Anthony’s talent flourished, garnering attention from college coaches nationwide. He subsequently transferred to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia to meet academic requirements and enhance his game, ultimately becoming the highest-ranked high school basketball player in the country. Unlike contemporaries like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, Anthony opted to attend college rather than enter the NBA directly, fulfilling his commitment to Syracuse University in the fall of 2002.
College Career
At Syracuse, Anthony quickly established himself as a standout player. He played a pivotal role in leading the Orangemen to their first national championship in 2003, achieving an 81-78 upset victory over the favored University of Kansas. In that game, he was the top scorer with 20 points and also recorded 10 rebounds, earning the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award. Following this successful season, Anthony declared for the NBA draft, marking the beginning of his professional career.
NBA Career
In the 2003 NBA Draft, which featured other stars such as LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, Anthony was selected third overall by the Denver Nuggets. His transition to the professional level was seamless; during his rookie season, he averaged 21 points and six rebounds per game, earning a spot on the All-Rookie team.
As a 6-foot-8 forward, Anthony established himself as one of the league’s elite scorers. He was selected for his first All-Star game in 2007, and over the years, he made several additional All-Star appearances. Notably, on December 10, 2008, Anthony tied an NBA record by scoring 33 points in a single quarter.
Despite his individual success, the Nuggets struggled to become perennial championship contenders during his tenure. In 2011, he was traded to the New York Knicks, fulfilling a long-held desire to return to New York. Under his leadership, the Knicks achieved a 54-28 record in the 2012-13 season, and Anthony set a franchise record with a career-high 62 points in a game. However, his relationship with the team soured amid criticism from team president Phil Jackson.
Following his release from the Knicks, Anthony played for several teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls, and Portland Trail Blazers. In August 2021, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he reached significant career milestones, including becoming the ninth player in NBA history to surpass 28,000 points.
NBA Retirement
On May 22, 2023, Carmelo Anthony announced his retirement from professional basketball after an illustrious 19-year career. In his retirement statement, he expressed gratitude for the game that provided him with purpose and pride. Throughout his career, he earned accolades as a 10-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA First Team member, and was included in the NBA’s all-time 75th anniversary team. Additionally, he achieved international success, winning three Olympic gold medals in 2008, 2012, and 2016, along with a bronze medal in 2004.
Personal Life
Carmelo Anthony’s personal life has also garnered public attention. He married actress and former MTV VJ La La Anthony (née Vasquez) in 2010, after a six-year engagement. The couple welcomed their son, Kiyan, prior to their marriage; Kiyan has since developed an interest in basketball. After separating in 2017, Carmelo and La La began formal divorce proceedings in June 2021.