Apr 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) inspects the ball before a game against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Washington Wizards at New York Knicks
(New York – NY) — Carmelo Anthony is retiring from basketball. The 19-year veteran made the announcement on Monday.
“I remember the days when I had nothing just a ball on the court and a dream with something more,” Anthony said. “But basketball was my outlet. My purpose was strong. My communities, the cities I represented with pride and the fans that supported me along the way. I am forever grateful for those people and places because they made me, Carmelo Anthony.”
Anthony was drafted by the Denver Nuggets third overall in 2003 and eventually would be traded to the New York Knicks in 2011. He would also go on to play for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trailblazers and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Syracuse alum helped lead New York out of a period of misery and into the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, including a 54-win season in 2012-13, where he won the scoring title. Anthony made seven All-Star teams and averaged 24.7 points per game in his tenure with the Knicks.
He eventually asked for a trade during the 2017 offseason after conflicts with then-team president Phil Jackson.
One of the game’s greatest scorers, Melo ranks ninth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. A 10-time All-Star, Anthony was also a six-time All-NBA selection and three-time Olympic gold medalist. He was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team for his accomplishments on the court.
“Now the time has come for me to say goodbye … to the game that gave me purpose and pride.”
