When you spot No. 15 on a Denver Nuggets jersey, who comes to mind first? For many, it’s 10× All-Star Carmelo Anthony. But in a move that left many fans stunned, the Nuggets handed that iconic number to their current star, 3× MVP Nikola Jokic, rather than retiring it in honor of Melo. The question now is, who truly owns the legacy of No. 15? Melo, who has already shown disappointment at this move, again opened up on the issue. But this time to praise his longtime fan DeMarcus Cousins, who also criticized the Nuggets’ move as slight to his idol.

The 7PM in Brooklyn podcast recently posted a clip on Instagram, showing Carmelo reacting to Cousins, calling him his favorite player. When asked by Kid Mero about it, Melo’s face lit up. “That’s nephew right there,” Anthony said warmly.

He reflected on Cousins’ journey, praising his determination and work ethic, and revealed their bond runs deep. “So to see that at fourth grade, fifth grade, and just see the evolution of it. I feel like that’s my son,” Anthony added.

Carmelo’s own story began in 2003 when he entered the league alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Drafted by the Nuggets, he proudly wore No. 15, the same number he donned at Syracuse. Though he would eventually switch to No. 7 during his time in New York, by his retirement, he had reclaimed No. 15—a number now forever intertwined with his legacy.

Cousins, who idolized Anthony growing up, carried that inspiration into his own career. Drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2010, he too wore No. 15, paying homage to Melo. His NBA journey eventually led him to Denver, the team where Anthony began his own rise to stardom. However, Cousins never got the chance to wear the number there as it was off-limits since Nikola Jokic donned No. 15. Naturally, Boogie didn’t hold back when discussing the controversy around Denver’s No. 15 jersey.

Carmelo Anthony and DeMarcus Cousins’ chemistry over the years

On the All the Smoke podcast, he opened up about the Nuggets’ decision, saying, “I felt it was more so about the break up between Carmelo and the Denver Nuggets… it was definitely a petty move.” It’s no secret why this issue hits close to home for Cousins. He’s been vocal about his admiration for Melo, admitting, “The reason I wore No. 15 was Carmelo Anthony. I’m a huge Carmelo Anthony fan.”

Despite never playing on the same NBA team, DeMarcus Cousins and Carmelo Anthony still shared some memorable moments on the court. Cousins got his first All-Star nod in 2015 when Melo was already an 8× All-Star. But with the East vs. West format of the All-Star Game, they always found themselves on opposite sides.

However, Cousins finally got his chance to team up with his idol on the international stage. Both players represented Team USA at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where they won gold together.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.