Carmelo Anthony’s story has always been about more than basketball.
On September 6, inside Springfield’s Symphony Hall, he officially joined the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. For a player who spent nearly two decades chasing greatness, the moment wasn’t framed by stats or records. Instead, it was framed by gratitude.
Standing on stage in the Hall of Fame jacket, Anthony looked out at the crowd and made it clear where his focus really was. “Your father isn’t perfect, but he is proof that struggle doesn’t mean surrender,” he said to his children, 18-year-old Kiyan and 8-year-old Genesis. “Proof that the road can be rough and still lead to glory.”
It was a reminder that while Anthony’s résumé includes over 28,000 career points, four Olympic medals, and countless accolades, his proudest accomplishments are personal. Kiyan, who is beginning his freshman year at Syracuse—the same program where Anthony led the Orange to a national title in 2003—was seated proudly in the audience.
Genesis, who Anthony welcomed in 2017 and has increasingly brought into the public eye in recent years, was also there to share the moment. “Raising children in this world is revolutionary,” Anthony told the audience, his voice breaking. “My kids saved me. They gave me a reason to move past ego, past noise, past criticism. They remind me that legacy isn’t what you leave behind, but what you lift up.”
For Anthony, reflecting on nearly 20 years in the league doesn’t boil down to one play or one night. “It’s hard to narrow down my career to one defining moment,” he explained. “There have been so many that shaped who I am—winning Olympic gold medals, coming back home to play in New York as a Knick, the 2013 scoring title game, and of course, that 62-point night at the Garden. Each of those moments meant something different, but it all represents the grind and perseverance I had for the game.”
To mark the induction, Anthony partnered with 1800 Milenio, calling the collaboration a fitting way to recognize milestones. “1800 Milenio dropped back in 2000, and I came into the league in ’03. We’ve both been perfecting our craft side by side, and in a way, we’ve grown up together,” he said. “Now, with Milenio celebrating 25 years as one of the finest extra-aged luxury tequilas, it felt like the perfect partner to mark my Hall of Fame induction.”
Anthony added that for him, making moments count means slowing down. “I’m usually thinking about what’s next, but now I’m learning to pause, reflect, and appreciate the journey that got me here—not just the end goal.”
That sense of reflection extends beyond endorsements and celebrations. Anthony made a point to recognize the people who helped him along the way.
“I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am today without the support of so many people along the way," he said. "My family, friends, coaches, and every teammate I’ve had have all played a huge role, and I’m truly grateful.”
To show that gratitude, he’s sending custom bottles of Milenio to the 25 teammates who gave him the most assists during his career—an acknowledgment that his success was always shared.
Anthony is also looking back to his roots with the upcoming House of Melo exhibit in Baltimore. “The first time I really picked up a basketball was in Baltimore," he remembered. "This isn’t just an exhibit—it’s my story. Where I started, the challenges I faced, and everything that’s shaped me along the way. You can’t tell that story without Baltimore. This city raised me, pushed me, and gave me the drive to keep moving forward. My hope is that this inspires someone out there to dream bigger, to stay locked in, and to believe that no matter where you start, greatness is possible.”
Even though his playing days are done, Anthony hasn’t stepped away from the game. He’s recently joined NBC as an NBA analyst, a role that feels like a natural next step.
“Getting to still be part of the game but in a new way has been so rewarding. I’m excited to bring my experience and knowledge I’ve built throughout my career and offer fresh perspective to the game,” he shared.
As the celebrations continue, Anthony admits he’s focused less on what’s next and more on the present. “These past few weeks have been really special," he said. "It’s not often I get to spend time with so many people who have made an impact on my career and life. We’ve shared some great nights celebrating, but I’ve also had quieter moments to sit back and reflect. Right now, I’m focused on being present and truly soaking it all in.”
For a player whose career was built on big shots and defining moments, Carmelo Anthony is choosing to mark this milestone with something different: gratitude.