Last month, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced its list of 2025 class finalists. One standout name is Carmelo Anthony—a three-time Olympic gold medalist, a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, and one of the most prolific scorers in league history.

Finalists Sue Bird, Dwight Howard, Maya Moore, and Sylvia Fowles will join Anthony. They will also be joined by contributor Micky Arison, coach Billy Donovan, and coach Jerry Welsh. The announcement cements Anthony’s legacy as one of the greatest players of his time.

Carmelo Anthony Reacts to Hall of Fame Nomination

The former Syracuse Orangemen star expressed his gratitude on social media after the announcement, tweeting: “Humbled and honored #STAYME7O.”

Anthony’s well-deserved recognition is due to his 19 years in the NBA, which included 10 All-Star selections and an average of 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.

From NCAA Champion to NBA Superstar

As a freshman at Syracuse University, he proved instrumental in leading his team to its first NCAA Championship. That same year, the Denver Nuggets drafted third overall in the 2003 draft, after the Cleveland Cavaliers selected LeBron James as the first pick and the Detroit Pistons selected Darko Miličić.

Anthony earned six All-NBA selections and ranked 10th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 28,289 points. During his 19 seasons in the league, he played for the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers.

Hakim Warrick: “He’s a Hall of Famer.”

Hakim Warrick was Anthony’s teammate during that championship run at Syracuse, and he recently spoke about his former teammate’s Hall of Fame Finalist nomination.

“First of all, congratulations. From the first time I met and played with him, I knew he was a special player,” Warrick recently shared with LandonBuford.com.

“So, this is no surprise; I think it is well deserved. You can’t talk about the game without mentioning him—and that’s what makes a Hall of Famer.”

He added that his favorite memory with Anthony was winning the 2003 National Championship against Kansas.

“Of course, my favorite moment has to be when the final buzzer sounded, and we won the national championship,” said Warrick.

“All the hard work and everything we went through to get there paid off at that moment. To finally achieve it, to get the ring, see the confetti falling, and celebrate with my teammates, was one of the most memorable moments. I have a lot of stories—some I can’t share—but so many great memories.”

Warrick, now an NBA scout with the Detroit Pistons, continues to watch the game closely and acknowledges Anthony’s undeniable impact on basketball.

The Pistons are sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 35-29 record.

Carmelo Anthony’s Legacy Cemented in Basketball History

Anthony’s inclusion among Hall of Fame finalists is causing basketball fans and analysts to reminisce about his scoring ability, leadership, and impact on the game. His place as one of the sport’s all-time greats appears inevitable. The Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will be revealed later this year, but it feels like Carmelo Anthony will be enshrined.

The ceremony will occur on Saturday, September 6th, at Springfield’s historic Symphony Hall.