Carmelo Anthony is retiring from the NBA after a 19-year career. He made it official in a video posted to Instagram on Monday: “Now the time has come for me to say goodbye… to the game that gave me purpose and pride”.
Anthony joined the NBA as part of the legendary 2003 draft class that included LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. He ranks 9th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, and had 14 seasons averaging 20 or more points per game. While he never played in an NBA Finals, Anthony won a national championship at Syracuse and won three Olympic gold medals in 2008, 2012, and 2016. His last NBA action came in the 2021-22 season with the Lakers.
2022 NBA All-Star Game
ShareCLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 20: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James #6 of Team LeBron embrace after the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 20, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks v Los Angeles Lakers
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 01: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on March 01, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers v Washington Wizards
ShareWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 19: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 19, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers v Los Angeles Lakers
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 23: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles during a 126-121 Philadelphia 76ers win at Crypto.com Arena on March 23, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE
Los Angeles Lakers v Phoenix Suns
SharePHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 05: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on April 05, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
2022 NBA Summer League – Orlando Magic v Oklahoma City Thunder
ShareLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 11: Carmelo Anthony attends a game between the Orlando Magic and the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2022 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 11, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
36th Annual Footwear News Achievement Awards
ShareNEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 30: Carmelo Anthony attends the 36th Annual Footwear News Achievement Awards at Cipriani South Street on November 30, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
FIBA Basketball World Cup Global Ambassador Media Presentation
ShareMANILA, PHILIPPINES - FEBRUARY 24: Carmelo Anthony holds up a special Team Philippines jersey with his name on it after he was announced as the new FIBA Basketball World Cup Global Ambassador during a media presentation at Smart Araneta Coliseum on February 24, 2023 in Quezon city, Metro Manila, Philippines. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
2023 TIME100 Summit
ShareNEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 25: Carmelo Anthony speaks onstage at the 2023 TIME100 Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 25, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for TIME)
2023 TIME100 Summit
ShareNEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 25: Carmelo Anthony attends the 2023 TIME100 Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 25, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for TIME)
Miami Heat v New York Knicks – Game Two
ShareNEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 02: Former New York Knicks player Carmelo Anthony attends game two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on May 02, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Miami Heat v New York Knicks – Game Two
ShareNEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 02: Former New York Knicks player Carmelo Anthony attends game two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on May 02, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Miami Heat v New York Knicks – Game Two
ShareNEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 02: Former New York Knicks player Carmelo Anthony attends game two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on May 02, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)