Just one championship can change any NBA star’s legacy. Just ask Nikola Jokic. Despite winning two MVPs, the Serbian international was never considered among the best players in the league till he led the Denver Nuggets to their first championship last season. Now he’s widely regarded as the best player in the NBA. The weight of rings is heavy, but a player’s greatness cannot be solely determined by their championships. 10x All-Star Carmelo Anthony, who recently hung up his boots, addressed this issue in his recent interview.

Despite his remarkable scoring abilities, Anthony never secured an NBA championship ring. Talking about a similar situation involving James Harden, the basketball legend was asked about his opinion.

What does Carmelo Anthony think about the 90s ring culture?

It’s safe to say that the former New York Knicks star had a legendary basketball career. From securing a national championship as a freshman with the Syracuse Orange in 2003 to crafting an illustrious 19-year career in the NBA, Anthony has carved out a Hall-of-Fame-worthy legacy for himself. In his recent interview, he was asked whether the absence of an NBA championship ring ever bothered him.?

Although he admitted that winning a ring would have been a significant achievement, he holds no regrets as he did everything in his power. Following this, he mentioned how a championship doesn’t define a player’s greatness. Just like Charles Barkley, who never won an NBA title but is considered as one of the greatest players to ever grace the league.?

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He said, “No, it don’t bother me because the game changed and the culture of the game changed. It was like in the ’80s, ’90s when it was about ring culture.” Furthermore, he pointed out that the present generation of players prioritizes financial gains over rings. While players aspire to win championships, their main focus often lies in establishing their personal brands and securing lucrative deals worth millions before chasing championship glory.

Anthony told The Complex, “You still wanna win the championship but it’s like I’m gonna get the 60 million before I go get the ring. So I just think that the mindset has shifted tremendously when it comes to ring culture.” The 10x NBA All-Star might not have won a championship, but he is proud of his biggest win.?

What is Melo proud of?

It would have undeniably been an exciting sight to witness Anthony team up with LeBron James during his peak years, but his greatness shines through, regardless. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Anthony expressed his happiness with his life and career. He stated that he has won in his life, for the remarkable time he spent on the basketball court.

He said, “That doesn’t bother me no more; that idea that you’re a loser if you don’t win a championship. For me, I’ve won. I won back in 2003, the night I shook David Stern’s hand on that [draft] stage. I’ve won at life. The ring is the only thing I didn’t get.”?

What are your thoughts on this? Do you agree with Anthony? Do tell us in the comments below.

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