Carmelo Anthony Releases Heartwarming Video Announcing His Retirement From The NBA

What an amazing career!

Carmelo Anthony recently dropped a video announcing his retirement from the NBA after 19 seasons, just a few weeks before his 39th birthday on May 29th. Famous since his college years, Anthony led Syracuse to their only national title in 2003, Sports Illustrated reports. That same year, he was drafted No. 3 by the Denver Nuggets. He single-handedly turned the franchise around, the Nuggets landing the playoffs for 10 consecutive years after bringing on Anthony, including a Western Conference Finals in the Lakers in 2009. He led the NBA in scoring and finished third in MVP voting in 2013, racking up an impressive 6-time All-NBA selection, 10-time All-Star NBA appearance and 4-time Olympian with 3 gold medals under his belt. 

His nearly two decade career has taken him to a number of teams including the Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and the Los Angeles Lakers but his most memorable and most impactful time was with the New York Knicks, ESPN reports. Despite his impressive accomplishments and cemented status as one of the greats, Anthony has never won an NBA championship. Last week, as he announced his retirement, it’s something he finally says he has peace about. 

“I’m at peace. That doesn’t bother me no more; the idea that you’re a loser if you don’t win a championship. For me, I’ve won. I won back in 2003, the night I shook David Stern’s hand on that [draft] stage. I made it out of Red Hook. I’ve won at life. The ring is the only thing I didn’t get. It would’ve been a great accomplishment, but I don’t regret it, because I feel like I did everything I could to get it,” Anthony told reporters. 

Going down in history as one of the greatest NBA scorers of all time, Anthony released a heartwarming video entitled “#STAYME7O” honoring his legacy and announcing his retirement. Filled with montage clips of his time in the league while rapper Ghostface Killah’s “All That I Got Is You” plays in the background, Anthony addresses his legion of fans. 

“I remember the days I had nothing. Just a ball on the court and a dream of something more. But basketball was my outlet,” Anthony starts, posed pensively in a living room setting. 

He addressed his gratitude for all the teams he’s played on, the communities that have supported him and his passion, which allowed him to fulfill his ultimate purpose. 

“I am forever grateful for those people and places. ‘Cuz they made me, Carmelo Anthony. But now the time has come for me to say goodbye, to the court where I made my name, to the game that gave me purpose and pride,” said Anthony. 

He went on to call the retirement “bittersweet,” but says he’s excited for his future. In reflecting on his legacy, he spoke of his son, Kiyan Anthony, who he shares with actress LaLa Anthony, calling him the future of the Anthony name and effectively passing the torch. 

“When people ask what I believe my legacy is, it’s not my feet on the court that come to mind, nor the awards or praise because my story has always been more than basketball. My legacy, my son,” says Anthony.

As the future second generation pro-baller fades into view, Anthony begins to address his son directly, saying, “I will forever continue through you because the time has come for you to carry this torch. So Kiy, chase your dreams, let nothing hold you back, let nothing intervene. My legacy, now and forever, lives on through you. And I will always be proud of all that you do,” he ends before signing off. 

Many have gathered to wish Anthony well on his next journey, calling him one of the greats and already predicting his induction into the Hall of Fame. Several teams also took to social media to sing his praises, congratulating him on a remarkable career. 

The NBA wrote, “10x NBA All-Star, 6x All-NBA selection, 9th most points all-time, and 75th Anniversary team member…Thank you, Carmelo!” 

Cover photo: Carmelo Anthony releases heartwarming video announcing his retirement from the NBA/Photo Courtesy of @CarmeloAnthony/Twitter