SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Being inducted into a Hall of Fame is a special honor for anyone, but on Saturday night at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, former NBA star Carmelo Anthony seemed to enjoy it more than anyone.
The stage at Symphony Hall, both inside and outside, was beautifully prepared for the Class of 2025, especially for Anthony, a 10-time All-Star who spent most of his 19-year NBA career with the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets.
Anthony, along with his family and close supporters, was among the last to walk the red carpet, giving him extra time to enjoy his arrival. He paused frequently for photos with his children and friends, soaking in the moment before entering basketball’s ultimate shrine.
The event attracted many Knicks fans from nearby New York, who cheered loudly outside Springfield’s elegant venue. Shouts of “Carmelo! ‘Melo!” created an arena-like atmosphere and celebrated one of Brooklyn’s hometown heroes.
Because Anthony was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2022, he was the final NBA enshrinee called to the stage Saturday, followed only by WNBA legend Sue Bird.
“Tonight, I don’t just step into the Hall of Fame,” Anthony said, joined by his Hall presenters Allen Iverson and Dwyane Wade. “I carry with me the echoes of every voice that ever told me I couldn’t. I walk with the shadows of every alley, every cracked court, every empty plate. I stand for the dreamers, the doubted, the dismissed, for every soul trapped in a place where I broke free from.”
Throughout his speech, Anthony wiped tears behind his stylish gold-framed glasses, delivering an emotional, eloquent, and deeply inspirational message.
“We didn’t have much growing up, but we had a dream,” Carmelo Anthony said. “Sometimes, someone would encourage you not to give up. Most of the time, people said things like, ‘That’s not for you, don’t aim too high, Melo, stay in your lane.’
“When you grow up in the shadows, you either get lost or you learn to shine on your own.”
“You hear a quiet voice inside saying, ‘I know there is more for me.’ Hold onto that voice. It will be tested,” he said.
At that moment, a dog barked in the hallway, but Anthony stayed calm. “The dogs will bark,” he joked, making the audience laugh.
“They will say your dreams are foolish. They will laugh at your belief. Trust me, they laughed at me too,” he added. Anthony led the NBA in scoring in 2013 and ranks 12th all-time with 28,289 points.
He then thanked his family, Syracuse University—where he led his freshman team to the 2003 NCAA championship—his NBA mentors, and others who supported him.
Anthony and fellow 2025 Hall of Famer Dwight Howard had double celebrations. They were inducted individually and as part of the 2008 U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team, known as “The Redeem Team,” for winning gold in Beijing and reestablishing America as a basketball powerhouse.
Half of that team’s 12 players are already in the Hall of Fame: Anthony, Howard, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Jason Kidd, and the late Kobe Bryant. Two others, LeBron James and Chris Paul, are expected to enter in the future. Most of the team, except Bryant, attended the ceremony, wearing the Hall of Fame’s traditional orange jackets. Coaches Mike Krzyzewski, Jim Boeheim, and Mike D’Antoni, along with USA Basketball director Jerry Colangelo, were also present.
Howard, 39, known for his fun-loving personality, shared humorous impersonations of Dikembe Mutombo and coach Stan Van Gundy during his speech. “I started as a kid,” he said. “I’d watch movies or listen to my parents, then go into the bathroom and act like the characters. I would practice in the mirror, copying actors and voices.”
“It bothered me,” said Howard, the No. 1 pick in the 2004 Draft, who came straight out of high school in Atlanta. “The real seriousness was the hard work I put in every day behind the scenes. On the court, I was there to entertain. Fans are paying to watch us play. So if I blocked a shot, I’d smile.
“Ever since I was born, I wanted to play in the NBA. Everything I did was to reach that goal. Why wouldn’t I be happy once I made it?”
Other 2025 Hall of Fame inductees honored at Symphony Hall included Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan, Miami Heat owner Micky Arison, longtime referee Danny Crawford, and three WNBA stars: Sue Bird, Sylvia Fowles, and Maya Moore.
FAQ
What did Carmelo Anthony highlight in his Hall of Fame speech?
Carmelo Anthony spoke about his journey, the challenges he faced, the support from family, and the importance of perseverance.
Did Carmelo share any advice for young athletes?
Yes, he encouraged young athletes to keep believing in themselves, work hard, and follow their dreams despite obstacles or criticism.
Who did Carmelo thank during his speech?
He expressed gratitude to his parents, siblings, Syracuse University, NBA mentors, teammates, and coaches who guided him throughout his career.
Was anyone else honored alongside Carmelo Anthony?
Yes, Dwight Howard was inducted the same year, and both were also recognized as part of the 2008 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team.