The relationship between NBA players and the media is often a complex one, swinging between mutual appreciation and outright frustration. It’s been an interesting couple of weeks in NBA circles—not just on the hardwood, but off it too. Kyrie Irving, currently sidelined after his ACL tear on March 3rd, has found a new court to play on: Twitch. With the Mavericks grinding through the Play-In race without him, Kyrie has been spending more time interacting with fans online. And during one of those Twitch streams, he didn’t hold back on his thoughts about the media, especially ex-players who now hold the mic.
“They have lost their way,” Kyrie said. “There are some former players that just chat s—, don’t talk about anything, and just hate on younger players.” He specifically pointed to comments made by some analysts who dismiss players’ concerns by citing their high salaries, a sentiment Kyrie clearly finds dismissive and unhelpful. “You see somebody you admire go on TV and say, ‘Get over it because you make more money.’ I’m so sick of that.”
Soon after, Carmelo Anthony chimed in during his 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, echoing Kyrie’s frustration and calling out the same kind of disrespect. On his own platform, where he often engages in candid conversations about the league and player experiences, Carmelo expressed empathy for Kyrie’s situation, suggesting that he too has observed unfair or overly critical narratives in the media.
“He a good person like and he’s able to take all the b——–,” he said, reflecting on the hate Kyrie’s had to endure. “He went to all the stoning that they did… Now he’s able to alleviate everybody and talk directly to the people… I don’t want the media asking me questions no more… let my fans ask the questions.”
But interestingly, later, Melo took a different tone. During the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 announcement at the Final Four in San Antonio, he acknowledged the media as a big part of his journey. In a moment of reflection on his career, Carmelo offered a direct thank you to the media, acknowledging that their questions and scrutiny had, in fact, played a role in his development and understanding of the professional landscape.
Aug 5, 2024; Paris, FRANCE; Carmelo Anthony poses for a photograph during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Team USA House. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images
“I would like to say thank you guys, because you guys was the one as the media and asking those questions. You guys kept me sharp too to understand how to stay ahead of you guys and what you guys was going to ask me. So thank you guys,” Melo said. “You guys played a major part in my career as well. So thank you.”
A contradiction? Maybe. But it’s clear Melo’s story can’t be told without both the fans—and the media.
Carmelo Anthony calls out “biased” media naratives
Back in 2020, when LeBron James called it “special” to share the court with Carmelo Anthony, it wasn’t just about their friendship. It was about a bond built from decades of facing off—since 2001. From high school battles to watching their sons hoop today, there’s a story of respect. But as close as they are, Melo made it clear that the journey wasn’t all love and roses. Especially not when the media got involved.
In fact, when asked if the media played a role in shaping rivalries or public perception, Melo didn’t hesitate. “I think it’s biased a lot of times,” he said on his 7PM in Brooklyn podcast. He spoke about how rankings often felt off from what players actually believed. And more importantly, he felt like he had to “work 10 times” harder just to get noticed.
Still, Melo didn’t look for validation from the media. “I went straight to the love that I know and I was comfortable with, which was the streets, which was the hood, which was my people,” he said. While LeBron was dubbed “the chosen one,” Melo found strength in staying grounded and close to where he came from—even after leading Syracuse to a national title.
Even the Rookie of the Year race in 2003 had shades of that bias. Despite averaging more points and rebounds, Melo lost out to LeBron, 78 votes to 40. Still, it never stopped him. Ten All-Star selections later, Carmelo didn’t just earn his place—he owned it.
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