A potential Hall of Fame year just got better! After giving 19 years to the league, Carmelo Anthony is back for another stint, this time as an analyst. If you have doubts about Melo’s ability to break down the play, Dwyane Wade’s statement might change your mind. “So my favorite person who broke down my game and it’s hard for me to break it down, it’s Carmelo Anthony.” After months of speculation, the Knicks legend has a new home.

“NBC has hired Carmelo Anthony to serve as one of the network’s top studio analysts when it begins broadcasting NBA games next season, sources briefed on the network’s plans said Thursday.” Andrew Marchand, senior writer with The Athletic broke the news. Plus, also added that before Melo, Charles Barkley was also on NBC’s radar, before he continued his loyalty to TNT.

“NBC had recent talks with Barkley, who still has seven years remaining on his deal with TNT, but those have ended. Last year, Barkley, who turns 62 later this month, told The Athletic that the deal was for $21 million per season.” Even the X page, which reports on the NBA, shared their excitement. “BREAKING: Carmelo Anthony is joining NBC as a studio analyst, per @AndrewMarchand LFG. 🍿.”

Let’s not forget that the 10x All-Star already announced plans for his business endeavors as well. “I take my experience from USA basketball and traveling. So, I’m trying to create the World Cup of Wines, in a sense.” But only his wine brand, VII(N) The Seventh Estate, is not the only priority. The New York native announced his first steps in the cigar industry too. With the help of King Makers Cigar, he is ready to launch VERSA pretty soon.

The upcoming year would also mark his son’s first year in Syracuse. So all in all, both father and son couldn’t be more excited for the year. Even the fans expressed the same excitement for Melo and his next endeavor as an analyst.

Carmelo Anthony’s fans don’t have a mellow reaction

Back in December, the Syracuse legend confirmed “active discussion” was happening in terms of his analyst role. Within two months, the deal is reportedly done. His recent outing during the Olympics in 2024 surely would have helped. If you don’t know, Melo was an unofficial third base coach in that closely contested game against Serbia that the USMNT won 95-91. That’s why a fan added, “He’s gonna actually have good basketball takes.”

Speaking about his takes, Carmelo Anthony described his different approach towards the game. “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.” That’s why a fan liked the no-hate approach. “This is awesome. Real hooper and wont hate on the new generation.” 

Speaking about hate is usually associated with sharp criticism of Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal. Their sharp opinion on players like Zion Williamson and recently on Joel Embiid is one of the few examples. That’s why a netizen added, “Isn’t a hater like Charles and Shaq too LFG.” The comparisons didn’t stop, it even included another recent NBC hiring.

“Already a better studio analyst than Reggie Miller damn.” A fan added this comment, as the Pacers legend is also part of NBC. As per FOS, “Miller and Crawford will rotate as the top analysts, working with both Tirico and Eagle.” So, already a lot of expectations from the fans toward Carmelo Anthony.

In the midst of all this, one fan reminded about the beautiful father-son bond that could happen in the future. “Bro finna be analyzing Kiyan real soon.” Next season will be the first for Melo with his analyst role. Meanwhile, Kiyan will play his first season with Syracuse. Many believe it could be one-and-done like his father, which means 2026 NBA season, the father-son dream could come true.