If I could, I’d write one sentence here: Stop it. Carmelo Anthony is a Hall of Famer — first ballot, zero doubt about it.
But, fine, let’s argue, because NBA fans have spent years taking Melo for granted.
Now that Anthony is officially retired — he announced it on Monday with a great video, see blow — the clock starts ticking to when he can be voted into Springfield. So let’s quickly run through the resume: We’re talking about 10 All-Star teams, a scoring title, six times All-NBA (which is my bellwether for how good a player is in his era).
10x NBA All-Star, 6x All-NBA selection, 9th most points all-time and 75th Anniversary Team member…
Thank you, Carmelo! 👏 pic.twitter.com/Z3uRXCB5Xh
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2023
So what if he doesn’t have a ring to his name? Let’s go further here. He should be among the names we talk about when we debate the purest scorers. He had 20-plus PPG in 14 seasons. Even after he reinvented himself in a new NBA era that needed him to be more of a stretch four than an iso scorer due to his defensive shortcomings, he still could get buckets.
Thank you #STAYME7O pic.twitter.com/4au8cOd13s
— Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) May 22, 2023
We’re also talking about a three-time Olympic gold medalist here. A national champion with Syracuse.
And, more numbers: His 22.45 career ppg is more than Charles Barkley, Bob McAdoo, Hakeem Olajuwon, Alex English, Billy Cunningham and David Robinson (they’re all in the Hall). His 28,289 points is 11th all time. He’s 27th all-time in three-pointers made.
Do I need to go on? Nope. Hall of Famer. All the way. No debate.
