Does the former NBA star deserve the NBA’s last goodbye?
Carmelo Anthony was once known for being an elite NBA star. Anthony is a 10-time NBA All-Star, a former scoring champion in 2013, and a decorated USA Basketball Olympic star. With what seems like the back nine of his career, the question now is- does Anthony deserve the last highest honor a player can get? And that’s a farewell tour?
For starters, Anthony recently went on First Take https://youtu.be/36-VfS6Ln-s to clear the air after his trainer talked about what he believed Melo wanted in a recent interview with The Breakfast Club. To simplify, Anthony never said he wanted a farewell tour.
Next, he also cleared the air on the fact that he still wants to continue playing. But at this point in his career, he is ready for whatever role as long as it helps the team win. Regardless of if he deserves a farewell tour or not, Anthony wants to continue his NBA career. And as for the upcoming season, a farewell tour will not happen.
So does Anthony deserve a farewell season tour?
The Common Standard
Though the qualifications are not set in stone, a common standard has been set between some of the NBA’s recent farewell rodeo.
Kobe Bryant was the first big name to get the send-off tour. It symbolized the end of his illustrious career that included five NBA championships, two Finals MVP trophies, an 18-time All-Star, NBA MVP in 2008, and a top three finish in the NBA all-time leading scorers list.
Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki both received their tours this previous season. Though Wade won three championships versus Nowitzki’s one, the standard is still the same.
Championships matter and that is a key area that is lacking on Anthony’s resume.
Legacy
Keeping the comparisons between Bryant, Wade and Nowitzki against Melo, legacies feel almost incomparable. Bryant and Nowitzki played their entire careers with one team, giving fans strong memories. Wade, however, played the majority of his career in Miami.
Anthony spent time with the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Houston Rockets. He also has even picked up jerseys with the Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls without playing for either team. Anthony is the only male player to win three olympic gold medals for USA Basketball.
Even though Bryant and Wade both won medals for USA Basketball, Anthony arguably has the edge over both in that area. But in everyday NBA life, it’s definitely not close.
Even against a future farewell tour recipient and close friend LeBron James, who has spent his career playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and now the Los Angles Lakers, legacies between James and Anthony seem almost unmatched due to the universal respect that has been shown more towards James.
Carmelo Anthony: Career Statistics
If Anthony were to retire today, he would finish with 25,551 points, which would placing him 22nd on the all-time scoring list. That would also give him an average of 24.0 points per game for his career, Anthony would finish as one of the 26 players who have scored 60+ in a single game following his historic record setting 62 point game while playing for the Knicks in 2014.
Anthony is not a stranger to scoring the ball. While scoring isn’t the only area of basketball, it is, however, very important for his case. The numbers and records speak for themselves as Anthony has given us several memorable scoring performances. He has also proven that he is one of the most elite scorers of all-time.
Final Verdict On Carmelo Anthony
Most basketball fans across the world could agree that if this is the end of Anthony’s career, this would be an unexpected way to go out. If granted one more or a few more seasons, what’s the likely option for basketball fans to remember Anthony’s career?
Tribute videos.
There is no denying the work of Anthony and the best way to forever remember his legacy are tribute videos. The Knicks and Nuggets, undoubtedly, will give Anthony his moment. Other teams around the league might also create a package for him as well.
As far as a farewell tour is involved, the answer at this current point in time is no, and it’s not particularly close for an argument for it.
