In an interview with ESPN’s Marc Stein, Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony indicated that if his professional basketball career were to end without him winning an NBA championship, he’d still consider it a success if he walked away with three Olympic gold medals and an NCAA title. “I would be very happy walking away from the game knowing that I’ve given the game everything I have, knowing I played on a high level at every level: high school, college, won [a championship at Syracuse] in college and possibly three gold medals,” Anthony said.
Anthony has long been a polarizing player among fans, thanks to his gaudy statistics and lack of playoff success over the course of his career. The tale of the tape on the forward’s NBA career thus far is: In 902 career regular season games Anthony has averaged 24.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists to accompany a shooting line of .453/.344/.812. He’s a nine-time NBA All-Star, has won an NBA scoring title (2013) and is one of the more versatile players the league has ever seen on the offensive side of the game. But…he’s only made it out of the first round of the playoffs twice in his 13-year career.
The player whose career I’ve often compared Anthony’s to is former Hawks great, Dominique Wilkins. While Melo’s game is certainly different from the “Human Highlight Film’s,” Wilkins is a prime example of a star whose statistics never translated into an NBA title. To further illustrate my point, take a gander at Wilkins’ career numbers, which are eerily similar to Anthony’s. In 1074 career regular season contests, Wilkins notched averages of 24.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists to go along with his shooting line of .461/.319/.811. Wilkins enjoyed a bit more playoff success, advancing past the first round on four occasions during his time in Atlanta, but never past the second round.
I reference Wilkins because despite never having won an NBA title, he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2006 and is generally regarded as one of the greats of the game, though not in the same conversation as Jordan, Bird, Magic, etc. Unless the Knicks strike gold in the near future, it appears that Anthony is also destined to end his career with an impressive stat line, but no ring to silence his detractors.
This brings to today’s topic, which is a two-parter: What will Carmelo Anthony‘s NBA legacy be if he fails to win a title during his career? And if he indeed fails to lead a team to a championship, is he worthy of being inducted into the Hall Of Fame?
Take to the comments section to share your thoughts on the subject. We look forward to what you have to say.
Yes. One of the best offensive players in the past decade. His Olympic history will probably get him a spot anyway. But I think if the Knicks don’t win after his contract is over will try to do a Karl Malone and maybe have better luck in getting a championship to finish his career.
international basketball hall of fame for sure without a shadow of doupt. as for the nba i would probably no but he would be in the same voat as vince carter and t-mac
He’s an HOF for sure, not among the all time greats though.
People just forget how long he held the mantle as Lebrons biggest competition for best SF before Durant, Kawhi, and George came along and broke out. The dude was fantastic with the nuggets and his first few years with the knicks and is still producing at a top 5 at his position level even with a bum knee and aging game. He for sure deserves to be atleast a HOF candidate especially when he is produced higher and for longer than most of his competition. I would say rn Kobe, LeBron, Paul, Duncan, Nowitzki, Wade Garnett are all locks with Anthony, Pierce, Allen and Gasol as deserving but possibly not first ballot. Championships are extremely important but I personally value being Top 5 for long periods of time as more important. I am more curious about whether Parker and Ginobili are canidates because there stars normally wouldn’t make the cut yet they both have the feel of HOFers
Yes. If Players like Allen Iverson, dominique, and karl malone can make it, melo can definetly make it. He is one of the premier offensive players in the league and because of his shooting ability can play for years to come. If knicks cannot get a ring before his contract retires, he can chase a ring if he wants but either way he’ll be inducted.
Unless the bottom completely falls out in the next couple of seasons, he’s a first-ballot hall of famer. Really up to him whether he gets a shot at a ring. He won’t with the Knicks, and since he’s got a no-trade clause, the ball’s in his court. Would love to see a 3-teamer with him going to the Clips, Blake going to the Bucks, and Giannis going to the Knicks. I don’t think Giannis will sign long-term in Milwaukee, and if they feel the same way, they might pull the trigger. Not 100% him on the Clips gets him a lot closer to a ring, but certainly a lot closer than he is now. They’re probably the stiffest competition for the Dubs as things stand.
It’s a shame that such a team game gives so much credence to individual winning success.
You can’t win alone