One of the biggest honors for an NBA athlete is to have their jersey retired. The very basic criteria for this is the athlete’s contributions to a franchise’s growth. While the championship ring isn’t a prerequisite for this honor, it adds to the athlete’s credibility. Currently,?an NBA legend is facing the very problem?with the?Denver Nuggets.
While?Carmelo Anthony?remains one of the greatest servants of the game, fans have highly debated his contributions to the franchise. Amidst his Nuggets honor row, Melo has given his opinion on having another franchise put his jerseys up in the rafters.?
Carmelo Anthony comments on Jersey Retirement plans
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There is no denying the fact that the 10x All-Star was a fan favorite during his time as an athlete. Even after his retirement, his peers and fans highly revered his persona. However, Nuggets fans aren’t particularly fond of him to a level where they’d want to honor the 39-year-old.
It, of course, applies to a section of the Colorado franchise fanbase, but the argument made by them is pretty compelling. While the fans and pundits debate whether he deserves to see his jersey in the rafters with the Nuggets, he has his eyes set on being honored at the Garden.
Melo spent the majority of his career at these two franchises. While the Nuggets drafted him in 2003 and stayed there till 2011, Anthony’s second stint was with the?New York Knicks?for seven years. It becomes obvious that the star would want to be honored at the MSG. However,?as per his recent interview, the 39-year-old is slightly hesitant. When asked about it, Melo said,?“I do. I do. But it?s like, damn, is it going to happen? This is New York”. However, he is not getting his hopes high and mentions,?“Until then, I?ll keep looking up at the rafters.”
What is the issue with Anthony and the Nuggets?
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Anthony could not help the Nuggets get a championship trophy during his time with the franchise. However, that doesn’t represent his contributions to the Nuggets. His valuable contribution is raising the standard of play and putting the Nuggets on the map with his incredible shooting ability. While this deserves to be recognized by the franchise, a fascinating issue arose from it.?
The #15 that Melo wore during his time in Denver is the same number that?Nikola Jokic?wears today. While Carmelo enabled them to elevate their game, Jokic brought them their first NBA trophy this year. So, even if they wish to retire his jersey and hang it up in the rafters, what will that mean for their current star?
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Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
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