“You’re Such a Legend and Beyond”: LeBron James, Kevin Durant and NBA Fans Pour Their Heart Out as Ex-Teammate Hangs His Shoes After 19 Years

The 2003 NBA draft featured some of the biggest stars this game has ever seen. While an 18-year-old LeBron James took most of the headlines back then, there was a certain NBA legend who was drafted as the #3 overall pick. It was none other than NBA veteran Carmelo Anthony. 

Having last showcased his skills on the court during the 2021-22 NBA season as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, the Melo Man has now taken to social media to officially declare his retirement from professional basketball.

After failing to find a team, the 19-year veteran has finally decided to call it a day. As the piece of news does the rounds on the internet, NBA icons like LeBron James and Kevin Durant have shared heartwarming wishes for Melo on social media platforms.

LeBron James and Kevin Durant give their flowers to Carmelo Anthony

One of the biggest icons of the previous generation of NBA has decided to hang his shoes. Carmelo Anthony leaves behind an impressive legacy in the league. 

He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets as the third overall pick during the 2003 draft. A certified bucket since his early days in the league, Melo dominated the opposition with ease.

His best stint came with the New York Knicks where he played from 2011 to 2017 and won the 2013 Scoring Award. During that time, he averaged 24.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. Thanks to his natural scoring prowess, Melo is ninth on the All-Time leading scorers chart with 28,289 career points.

READ MORE: “We Lost a Hero Today”: Grieving LeBron James Joins Thousands of Fans in Giving Flowers to Late NFL Legend’s Legacy

As one of the greatest NBA players retires, his close friend LeBron James took to Instagram to post an emotional message for his former Lakers teammate. 

“You are such a legend and beyond my brother!! and congratulations on a helluva ride”, wrote LeBron on his Instagram story. Not only James, but Kevin Durant also took to Instagram to post a series of nostalgic and emotional photos with Anthony.

Durant and the 10x NBA All-Star were a vital part of the 2012 Olympics Team. Along with all of his NBA accolades, Carmelo Anthony also boasts of three Olympic Gold Medals in 2008, 2012, and 2016.

NBA fans react to Melo’s retirement

Carmelo Anthony announced his emotional retirement on Instagram. Needless to say, the post has already gained a lot of traction on the platform. Here’s what the NBA world had to say.