NBA legend Carmelo Anthony announces retirement from basketball
- Seb Sternik
- 22 May 2023
Carmelo Anthony played in the NBA for 19 seasons and scored just short of 30,000 career points.
Ten-time NBA All-star Carmelo Anthony has announced his retirement from professional basketball.
Anthony scored 28,289 points during his NBA career, putting him ninth on the list of the all-time highest points scorers in the competition.
The 38-year-old played for six different teams across 19 seasons - most recently with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Anthony started his NBA career with the Denver Nuggets, but also represented the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets and the Portland Trail Blazers.
The 2013 NBA scoring champion announced his retirement decision in a video posted on social media.
He said: "I remember the days when I had nothing. Just a ball on a court and a dream of something more. 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.
"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. But this bittersweet goodbye to the NBA, I am excited about what the future holds for me.
"When people ask me what I believe my legacy is, it's not my feats 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, that's in you. I will forever continue through you. Because the time has come for you to carry this torch. So Kiyan, chase you 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. Peace."
