Damian Lillard Says Carmelo Anthony Is a No-Doubt Hall of Famer
Damian Lillard is making sure that his former teammate Carmelo Anthony is a valued member of the basketball world as they celebrate one of its most prolific scorers.

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 07: Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers react after defeating Minnesota Timberwolves 135-117 at Moda Center on January 07, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. 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. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Damian Lillard is making sure that his former teammate Carmelo Anthony is a valued member of the basketball world as they celebrate one of its most prolific scorers.
“Yeah, he’s Melo so I mean it’s an easy call,” Lillard said when asked about Anthony’s Hall of Fame prospects. “There’s no debating Hall of Famer. I don’t see why it would be any other way.”
Lillard, one of the NBA’s most respected voices, brings a special weight to this sentiment shared by many. Mutual respect and a shared love for the game led the two All-Stars to form a bond playing together on the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard, well-known for his loyalty, clutch play, and leadership, witnessed first-hand what Anthony contributed to a team on and off the court.
Melo exhibited his talent and work ethic during their time together in Portland, even in the later stages of his career. He reminded the league and a new generation of fans why he was once one of the most feared scorers in basketball, which was more important.
“When the call comes and in my case, I saw Springfield on the phone,” Anthony said on the televised announcement h/t NBA.com. “You know what time it is Springfield is on the phone. You know who it is. You get the phone call and you hear, ‘You’re in.’ And I think for me, it was a burden off of my shoulders.”
“A 10-time NBA All-Star, Anthony was one of the most prolific scorers of his generation during his 19-year NBA career (2003-22),” NBA.com writes. “Selected third overall by the Denver Nuggets in 2003 after leading Syracuse to its first NCAA national championship in basketball as a freshman and earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors, Anthony averaged 22.5 points per game in his career and ranks 10th all-time in NBA scoring with 28,289 points. He earned All-NBA honors six times and won three Olympic gold medals (2008, ’12, ’16) as a key member of Team USA. Anthony led the NBA in scoring in 2012-13 (28.7). Anthony was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.”
The career of Carmelo Anthony, a 10th All-Star, Olympic gold medalist, and one of the top 10 scorers in NBA history, is worthy of recognition at the Hall of Fame. But his journey, marked by highs, challenges, and an inspiring comeback in Portland, makes the honor all the more meaningful. Lillard’s endorsement is not limited to statistics or accolades. The focus is on the impact.
The basketball community is celebrating Anthony as he enters the Hall, not just the player but also the legacy. Lillard’s words echo the game, indicating that Carmelo Anthony’s place among the legends is undisputed.