“That is exactly why I can’t be a coach,” Carmelo Anthony had said just a week ago, describing how coaching jobs, especially in the NBA, are exceptionally tough. So does that mean the doors to the league are closed for Melo forever? Well, not exactly, as the icon just revealed how he’d contribute to the game instead, which, we’re sure, would make a lot of fans happy. But before we get to that…

For Anthony, the biggest learning of his career is by watching Magic Johnson. Why, you ask? Well, after Johnson retired from the league in 1991 following an HIV diagnosis, he came back to take up a Lakers head coaching job for the 1993-94 season. Hopes were high, but performances? The team had ended the season with a dilapidated 5-111 record—Magic’s coaching career lasted just 16 games, ending with an eventual resignation.

Addressing the situation later, the former coach had revealed in 2019, “I never wanted to coach. Dr. [Jerry] Buss said can you do this for me and when he hit me with that, then I said, ‘Yeah, okay’.” So, now anytime anybody asks Johnson to give coaching another shot—as did TMZ this year—this is exactly how the veteran reacts: “No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Thank you though.” If this doesn’t act as the most staunch warning for Melo, what will? So, what instead then? Well, he just answered that question in an interview with Complex on December 3.

The conversation, which was based on his entrepreneurial journey (Anthony’s venture capital firm Melo7 Tech Partners, a fashion line called STAYME7O, his Creative 7 media production firm and a recent brand endorsement for 1800 Tequila), steered toward possibilities.

The interviewer Mark Elibert asked, “We just saw they’re not getting rid of the iconic Inside The NBA. Is there room for Melo to become an analyst in the future?”

And Melo has already figured out his approach if the opportunity arises.“ You know, my door is open. I would probably have a different approach to it in terms of how I would like to speak the game and talk about the game creatively, what that looks like, and how that comes across. But yeah, my door is open. Active conversations are being had. So, I’m open, and it depends on what happens, and we’ll see how this goes. I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of content that’s needed during that time.” With the growing demand for unique sports content, the timing seems perfect for someone with Melo’s perspective.

For now, there are no official developments regarding Anthony’s debut in the broadcasting booth. Having said that, Elibert further asked, “Will we see you coaching these young guys on the sideline one day? You did it during the Paris Olympics, and we all know the game wouldn’t be the same without Melo being involved somehow.”

Notably, the former Lakers player was in attendance at the Paris Olympics alongside his son Kiyan. But he wasn’t just a cheerleader, but also an unofficial third base coach in that closely contested game against Serbia that the USMNT won 95-91. But would he be willing to repeat that stint?

“[Laughs] I’m not trying to walk away from the game completely. I think my focus was more on the grassroots and development in those stages. But yeah, my door is open when it comes to ownership. I do want to own a team. I would want to own an organization. That’s my North Star right there,” he said.

For the unversed, the 40-year-old announced a partnership with Australia’s National Basketball League that includes him joining the ownership group of a future expansion team. He will also serve global ambassador of the NBL’s Next Stars program. One thing’s clear: Whatever the case, Melo is never not busy!

On a separate note, do you know what exactly Anthony said about Magic Johnson?

Why Carmelo Anthony doesn’t want to be an NBA coach

It’s no secret that many NBA stars transition to coaching after their playing days. With their wealth of experience, it seems like a natural fit. But for Carmelo Anthony, that path isn’t so clear-cut. While he has the knowledge and insights to guide a team, Melo himself admits coaching just isn’t his calling. “Not every great player makes a great coach,” he’s said before—and he’s confident that applies to him.

Before the Paris Olympics, Melo made his stance crystal clear. He’s passionate about developing young talent and is heavily involved in youth leagues, including backing Team Melo in the Nike EYBL and working with his son’s team. But when it comes to the NBA, Melo says he’s not interested in being “just another failed NBA coach.” Instead, he’s more drawn to coaching at the high school level, where he’d have the freedom to mold players without the pressure of an NBA sideline.

On his 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Melo again opened up on the topic. “That is exactly why I can’t be a coach,” he said, referencing struggles faced by legends like Magic Johnson. “I think I would coach high school. I gotta have my own situation, like a ‘Oak Hill’ type of situation… you know, like a situation where I can control everything. […] It ain’t ever work for nobody like myself. Magic [Johnson], it ain’t (expletive) work. No player has, you know, like no big-time player has gotten back on the sideline and was successful as a coach… we operating at a different level.”

“I don’t think a lot of players translate into coaching. If you a big-time player, you got ego, you got pride, right? You know it all; you know everything. The minute someone try to try you, you turn back into that competitor,” he concluded.

Well, there you have it; we are unlikely to see Melo on the sidelines. In the studio? More likely.