Carmelo Anthony honors Knicks fans during Hall of Fame induction
Carmelo Anthony, a former 10-time All-Star and one of the most dynamic scorers in NBA history, took a moment to pay tribute to his loyal supporters during his Hall of Fame induction speech on Saturday. The 6-foot-7 forward, who grew up idolizing the New York Knicks, reflected on his unique connection with the franchise, despite achieving more success during his time with the Denver Nuggets.
A Dual Induction Celebration
This past weekend, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame celebrated Anthony alongside fellow first-ballot inductee Dwight Howard. Both legends were honored individually and as key members of the iconic 2008 U.S. men’s Olympic “Redeem Team,” which restored America’s pride in international basketball following a disappointing bronze medal finish in 2004.
Drafted third overall in the highly competitive 2003 NBA Draft—alongside future Hall of Famers like LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade—Anthony quickly made his mark in the league. During his tenure with the Nuggets from 2003 to 2011, he propelled the franchise to seven consecutive playoff appearances, culminating in a run to the Western Conference Finals. Under his leadership, Denver recorded three seasons with over 50 wins.
Impressive Stats and Achievements
Throughout his eight seasons in Denver, Anthony averaged an impressive 24.5 points per game, accompanied by solid shooting percentages of .459 from the field, .311 from three-point range, and .803 from the free-throw line. He complemented his scoring prowess with averages of 6.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. His efforts did not go unnoticed; he finished in the top 15 of MVP voting four times and earned selections to four All-NBA and All-Star teams.
Struggles in New York
Despite the accolades, Anthony’s time with the Knicks was marked by challenges. Acquired in a midseason trade in 2011, he came to New York at a significant cost, as the team sacrificed valuable depth. While Anthony’s first three seasons with the Knicks saw the team reach the playoffs, the subsequent years were less kind, as the franchise struggled and failed to make a significant impact in the postseason. He managed to win just one playoff series with the Knicks in 2013.
Nevertheless, the affection Knicks fans have for Anthony is palpable, reminiscent of the reverence typically reserved for players from the franchise’s storied ’70s and ’90s eras. His electrifying scoring ability, combined with the timing of his arrival during the peak of his career, endeared him to the fanbase.
A Heartfelt Message
In his speech, Anthony expressed gratitude for the unwavering support he received from Knicks fans. He remarked, “From the lights of Madison Square Garden to the heartbeat of every borough, I felt that energy.” This connection has solidified his status as an enduring figure in Knicks lore, encapsulated in his mantra: “Once a Knick, always a Knick.”
As Carmelo Anthony embarks on this new chapter of his career, he carries with him the love and admiration of a fanbase that will forever hold a special place for him in its heart.
