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Carmelo Anthony says he’s unbothered that he’s retiring without an NBA championship on his resume … ’cause, at the end of the day, he feels he’s “won at life” by simply making it to the league!
The 38-year-old forward announced his retirement on Monday after 19 seasons in the NBA, and despite all his accomplishments, including becoming a 10x All-Star and scoring champ, he never won a ring.
Many sports fans and even some media refuse to label a player an all-time great if they haven’t won a ring. For years, it’s been said about guys like Patrick Ewing and Charles Barkley, because neither earned a chip.
Obviously, if you watched Chuck play, you know he’s one of the best players to step foot on a basketball court.
Championships are also used to compare players … like Michael Jordan (6 titles in 6 appearances) and LeBron James (4 titles in 10 appearances).
“I’m at peace,” Melo said to Sports Illustrated after the announcement.
“That doesn’t bother me no more; that idea that you’re a loser if you don’t win a championship.”
But, Melo — who won an NCAA Championship with Syracuse 20 years ago — said he’s been a winner since the day he was selected as the third overall pick in the NBA Draft, making it out of Brooklyn.
“For me, I’ve won. I won back in 2003, the night I shook David Stern’s hand on that [draft] stage,” Anthony said. “I made it out of Red Hook. I’ve won at life.”
“The ring is the only thing I didn’t get. It would’ve been a great accomplishment, but I don’t regret it, because I feel like I did everything I could to get it.”
Melo said he’s now focused on his 16-year-old son, Kiyan, who received several offers to play college basketball … including from Melo’s alma mater, Cuse.
In fact, Melo admits Kiyan is the only reason why he signed with the Lakers for the 2021-22 season … or he would’ve retired back then.
“I always told him, ’When you get to high school, I’m retiring.’ That was always our thing,” Melo said.
“Then [as he started high school] the Lakers called, and he told me, ‘Dad, I’ll be O.K., you should go.’ Even with LeBron there, I wouldn’t have done it without Kiyan pushing me.”
“So to be able to spend time with him in the gym, on his work ethic? With school? I can be a father to him every day. It’s perfect timing.”
Happy retirement, Melo!!!