“I’ve been out the game for three years, so I wasn’t expecting that call so soon.” Carmelo Anthony was never too sure to be nominated so early. But he has received first ballot nomination, alongside former Lakers star Dwight Howard. And the 3x DPOY has some thoughts about it.

“Future Hall of Famers 🤝.” So, DH-12 has made it clear that he and Melo are going to the Hall of Fame, despite the results not being out yet. As per the NBA, a nationally televised broadcast at the NCAA Final Four in San Antonio will unveil the entire Class of 2025 on Saturday, April 5. Even though the former champion previously hesitated when the initial news dropped. “I’m not retired yet but I’ll take it 😅 I’m extremely grateful I just pray they don’t do me like they did the last list🙏🏾.” Howard now seems pretty certain about his chances.

The last list is the NBA 75, which Howard wasn’t part of. Ever since that anniversary team was announced in 2021, the 39-year-old expressed his displeasure. He was not alone; Stan Van Gundy called it ‘ridiculous’ and Gilbert Arenas also stated that at least 75% of the NBA players are still in disbelief. Carmelo Anthony too expressed a similar sentiment in February last year.

“That Orlando Dwight? When he started calling himself Superman, his assault tape was crazy. And we had to go up against that. Like they were scared to go in there against Dwight. And the last time that people felt fear to go into the lane was against Shaq.” The Knicks legend believed Howard deserved and earned that honor. Because of the mutual admiration, DH12 added that story of him and Melo going to the Hall of Fame.

Even though the final list is not out yet, the 10x All-Star has plans in motion for his speech. Spoiler Alert! it will have certain shots towards people.

Carmelo Anthony has his plans set for his ‘close out’ speech

When Melo received the message from his assistant, he wasn’t feeling well. In fact, he stated on the podcast that he was “sweating bullets”. Later, a call from his business partner was when he finally acknowledged his nomination. Now that the nomination is done, the Syracuse legend is preparing for the HOF speech.

“I got to tell the whole journey right, so it’s going to have some, you know what I mean, some shots going to be in there. But it’s going to be direct shots. It ain’t going to be like indirect where you got ‘Who’s Melo talking about?‘” On his podcast with Blake Griffin as the guest, Melo confirmed his plans for the enshrinement speech. “No sneaky diss! But I’m tell the story and I’m tell it how it is, I’m tell it from my point of view. I’m coming with peace, but you know you got to prepare for war at the time of peace.”

If people still have doubts about his nomination, Carmelo Anthony just confirmed his HOF year. “I’m closing it out twenty-five minutes.” So, what an interesting turn of events for the Knicks legend. First, he wasn’t sure if this year would be that year, to now being sure about closing out the ceremony.