When we say “basketball legend,” one of the first names that may come to mind is Carmelo Anthony. Though only 18 at the time, he left an indelible stain on the sport. Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, he captivated fans as a senior at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. In a nationally televised showdown, Anthony led his team to victory against LeBron James’ St. Vincent-St. Mary’s squad. It was a defining moment that not only proved to the world the unique power of his talent but launched an incredible career.
In the summer of 2003, Carmelo Anthony stole headlines. Just before first tip-off, he signed the largest rookie shoe deal in NBA history… with Nike. He entered the league and immediately made the Air Jordan 18.5 his signature shoe. This brave act not only led to fans and players alike adopting the pose, it created an indelible connection between his masterful performance and those legendary kicks.
Anthony’s influence was immediately apparent. He dominated in his rookie season, showcasing his skills in the Rising Stars Challenge where he scored an impressive 31 points and earned MVP honors. These early milestones were just the beginning of a terrific adventure. He would eventually do a turnabout and become one of the league’s most well-known players.
He had a very successful college career at Syracuse. As a freshman, he carried the Orange to an NCAA title, and that cemented his reputation even more. This achievement was just the start of his professional career. During his second year, he released his first signature shoe, the Jordan Melo 1.5. Performance and fashion merged in a way that sneaker culture had never seen before, and this sneaker became a fast fan favorite.
Throughout his career, Anthony continued to impress, often seen wearing unreleased Air Jordan models that showcased his unique style and athleticism. Most impressively, he dropped 27 points and collected 11 boards in these special Player Edition kicks. Most seriously, he even rocked unreleased colorways of Air Jordan sneakers that perfectly matched the retro vibe of the David Thompson-era Nuggets uniforms from the 1970s. This decision only served to enhance his mighty impact on sneaker culture.
As Anthony transitioned through various teams in the NBA, including a notable stint with the Portland Trail Blazers, he had access to a plethora of unreleased Air Jordans, including the Air Jordan 34 and Air Jordan 35. These sneaks got him to the top of his game on the hardwood. They represented his impact on the game, as well as the evolution of his own career.
In what would be his 19th and final NBA season, Carmelo Anthony suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers. Most importantly, he took on the role of the elder statesman and storyteller in what truly is this country’s most important media market. Simultaneously, he wore the Air Jordan 36. His ability to connect with younger players and share wisdom from his extensive career showcased not just his on-court prowess but his leadership qualities off the court.
Anthony’s accolades extend beyond the NBA. As a member of Team USA he competed around the globe in international competitions, taking home three Olympic gold medals throughout his illustrious career. This achievement only served to deepen his claim to be considered as one of the greatest athletes in all of basketball.
As Carmelo Anthony prepares to enshrine himself in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame… From his series of wins, setbacks and a lifelong admiration for the game that molded his future, he recounts a journey truly like no other. Yet his legacy continues to be inextricably tied to the sneakers he laced up throughout his career. Together, each pair speaks to a powerful story of triumph, determination and panache.
“what up” – Ian Stonebrook
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