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CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 16: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the game against the New Jersey Nets on March 16, 1998 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1998 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
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CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 16: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the game against the New Jersey Nets on March 16, 1998 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1998 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
Carmelo Anthony was undoubtedly one of the best scorers in NBA history. But was he better than NBA giants like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant? While some may find this to be a controversial opinion, Raymond Felton believes otherwise.
Appearing on the ‘Run Your Race’ podcast, the 39-year-old stated, “The way he (Melo) can score, how easy it is for him is, I don’t know nobody who’s better… I’m talking about Tracy McGrady… MJ… Kobe, LeBron, all these guys. Like, the way he used to score at every level… Nobody was better.”
Carmelo Anthony vs LeBron, MJ, Kobe, and KD: Do the stats lie?
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Carmelo Anthony retired as the ninth-leading scorer in NBA history, so the overall stat-line comparison may not be in his favor. Melo averaged 22.5 points per game (ppg) throughout his career, with a total of 28,289 points, which is a decently impressive figure. But it pales in comparison to the likes of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant.
MJ averaged 30.1 ppg with a total of 32,292 points throughout his career. The Black Mamba averaged 25.0 ppg with a total of 33,643 points. LeBron has averaged 27.1 ppg with the highest ever in NBA history total points of 40,376. And KD has averaged 27.3 ppg with a total of 28,836 points. However, Melo has a higher 3-point percentage than all the players above except for Durant.
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But these stats are more about who can score in bulk. And not about the abilities as a pure scorer. An article by Bleacher Report had laid down some parameters considered by the basketball community to view a player as a pure scorer. The parameters include the ability to score from anywhere on the court, lethal shooting accuracy, ability to single-handedly take over a team’s offense and win a game, have an aesthetic beauty to his game, and a few other parameters.
Considering all parameters, Melo could still be hailed as the best purest scorer in the New York Knicks’ history. So, for some, Raymond Felton’s claims should hold some value considering Melo’s scoring abilities highlighted by him.
Deep dive into Felton’s claims and where Carmelo Anthony stands
Felton, moreover, claims Anthony to be a superior scorer than Michael Jordan, LeBron, Kobe, McGrady, and KD not because of the statistical point of view but Melo’s abilities. He considers the ex-Denver Nuggets star to be the best from all levels.
“Post up, got footwork, midrange is impeccable. Shoot the three. Athletic, good dunk on. Can get to the basket. Handles like a point guard… I’m just saying everything. Like, whatever you want it… He can do it,” Felton stated. He further mentioned that he is putting Anthony above Durant because he has seen Melo score from anywhere on the court, which, according to him, is not the case with KD.
Raymond Felton believes Carmelo Anthony is a better scorer than LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Michael Jordan
“The way he used to score at every level, I don’t know anyone better.”
(🎥 @TidalLeague / h/t @NBA_NewYork )
pic.twitter.com/jlt8e0e1OM— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 9, 2024
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During his career, Anthony made 1,731 3-pointers and shot 35.5 percent from beyond the arc. The 3-pointer was one of the most effective pieces of arsenal in Melo’s dominant offensive gameplay. However, he also dominated the mid-range area with his pull-up jumpers, step-back jumpers, and fadeaway jumpers. He scored well from the free-throw line area as well.
The claims made by Raymond Felton are still debatable as they put the ex-Nuggets’ star against some of the all-time greats of the NBA. However, it cannot be denied that sole comparison based on career stat-line does no justice to Carmelo Anthony’s abilities as a pure scorer.
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What is your take on this entire issue? Do you think Carmelo Anthony was a better scorer than Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Durant? Which player do you think is the best pure scorer ever in NBA history? Let us know your views in the comments.
