NBA legend Carmelo Anthony retires from basketball

It's safe to say that Carmelo Anthony will go down in history as a real NBA legend.

NBA legend Carmelo Anthony retires from basketball

Tosin Abayomi 17:35 - 22.05.2023

After 19 seasons in the NBA, Carmelo Anthony retires from basketball

On Monday, May 22, 2023, basketball great and NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony formally retired from playing.

Through his social media pages, the former Los Angeles Lakers player, who has been selected to the NBA All-player team six times and as an All-NBA Team member 10 times throughout the course of his career, announced the news. 

The NBA's 19-season affiliation with the small forward had over, as he announced in an emotional video.

Carmelo Anthony on retirement

"I remember the days when I had nothing, just a ball on the court and the dream of something more. Basketball was my outlet. 

"My purpose was strong, my communities, the cities I represented were proud and the fans that supported me along the way. 

"I am forever grateful for those people and places, because they made me, Carmelo Anthony.

"But now the time has come to say goodbye to the court where I made my name, to the place that gave me purpose and pride. 

"But despite this bitter sweet goodbye to the NBA, I am excited about the future," continued Anthony, who in 2021 was named in the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

"Now the time has come to say goodbye to the court where I made my name, to the place that gave me purpose and pride

"When people ask what my legacy is, it's not my feats on the court that come to mine, not the awards or the praise. 

"It will forever continue in you because the time has come for you to carry this torch. So, Kyle, chase you dreams and don't let anything 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. Peace," 

Images and brief video excerpts from his best courtside performances were used in the film announcing his retirement.

basketball great and NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony formally retired from playing.
basketball great and NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony formally retired from playing.

He had a career that included stints with the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers.

Additionally, he won three gold medals with the USA basketball team at the Olympic Games in 2008, 2012, and 2016.

It's safe to say that Anthony will go down in history as a real NBA legend. 

He now holds the records for the most points, rebounds, and games played for the Olympic squad, as well as the ninth-highest point total in NBA history.

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