If you were in New York during Melo’s prime, you must have felt it too. Some nights at Madison Square Garden felt more or less like a movie. Carmelo Anthony, standing at the top of the key, shot clock ticking down, the crowd holding its breath and then… swish. The net barely moved, and the Garden exploded. And overnight, Melo was the headliner, night after night. And now, as the entire NBA world shows him love with his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025, the city Carmelo gave his heart to is showing it right back.
Anthony’s love affair with New York kicked off in 2011, the moment he got traded from Denver to the Knicks. And man, it felt like the city had been waiting for him all along. Almost overnight, Melo became the guy. He brought that swagger, those effortless scoring nights, and a kind of fire that made even the nosebleed seats feel alive again. Remember that legendary 62-point masterclass against Charlotte? Or the way he carried the 2013 squad into the playoffs? That is nothing short of a love letter to the city that stands for hope. And New Yorkers? They still talk about those Melo nights over pizza slices, on subway rides, and in barbershops like they just happened last week. It’s part of the city’s basketball DNA now.
Now, New York is giving something back. The Empire State Building glowed in orange and blue last night. Not for a win, not for a playoff push, but to honor Carmelo Anthony’s place in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025. This kind of tribute feels almost poetic. It’s like the city itself tipping its cap to one of its adopted sons. And needless to say – Melo took note!
Anthony shared the massive nod – from the Empire State Building and the NY Knicks – on his Instagram Story with a special message. He wrote, “Thank you New York #STAYME70”. This isn’t just for the buckets or the box scores. It’s for the memories, the countless nights when MSG felt like the center of the universe because Melo was cooking. Ring or no ring, he gave New Yorkers someone to believe in, and that #7 jersey still walks the streets like a badge of pride.
So here we are, a decade after his MSG prime, and the city still lights up for him literally. But with legends like Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier, and Willis Reed etched into Knicks lore, one question now hovers in neon above the skyline: Is Carmelo Anthony the greatest Knick of the modern era, or simply the one who felt the most like home?
Carmelo Anthony and his story with The New York Knicks
Carmelo’s journey with the Knicks began in 2011 when he arrived in a blockbuster trade from the Denver Nuggets. Over the next six seasons, he became the face of the franchise and a beacon of hope for a fanbase hungry for glory. He led the Knicks to multiple playoff appearances and delivered unforgettable performances including his career-high 62-point game against Charlotte Bobcats that still echoes through the halls of MSG.
But Carmelo Anthony’s greatness wasn’t just a New York story. He burst onto the national scene at Syracuse, winning an NCAA title in his freshman year. He was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player. Drafted third overall by Denver in 2003, the Brooklyn native went on to become a 10-time NBA All-Star, a six-time All-NBA selection, and a three-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA. And beyond all else, his individual stats make for a compelling story of dedication and performance.
Across 19 seasons, Anthony averaged 22.5 points per game. He finished his career with 28,289 points – good for the 10th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, he cemented his place among basketball’s elite. As Anthony and the rest of the Class of 2025 prepare for induction in Springfield on September 5–6, Knicks fans everywhere will be celebrating more than just a Hall of Fame career; they will be remembering the nights Carmelo lit up the Garden – arguably their greatest star since Ewing!
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