Retirement didn’t slow Carmelo Anthony; rather, it unleashed him. The NBA legend has been stacking wins off the court like he used to on it. From dropping truth bombs on his 7PM in Brooklyn podcast with The Kid Mero to writing checks through Melo7 Tech Partners. He backs early-stage tech startups. His production company, Creative 7, champions diverse storytelling, and his STAYME7O apparel line embodies his signature style. Beyond fashion, Carmelo Anthony launched The Seventh Estate Wine with Robert Mondavi, celebrating inclusivity. He even invested $5M in NYC restaurants Nobody’s Pizza and Ainsworth, with expansion plans underway.
But Melo’s biggest power move yet? Stealing the mic at NBC Sports. Starting in 2025-26, he will be breaking down NBA action weekly as their newest studio analyst. Joining legends like Reggie Miller and Jamal Crawford for playoff coverage. Even Michael Jordan is making his NBC Sports comeback this season. He will drop pre-recorded analysis during pregame/halftime shows. The New York hoops icon is trading buckets for breakdowns, proving his court IQ translates perfectly to Primetime. So, essentially, you’d think of a man to be satisfied with these many activities going around him, right? Wait!
Recently, in an interview with FIBAWC, Carmelo Anthony dropped bombs revealing some bigger ideas. When the interviewer asked which 2006 World Cup teammates would make a great talent show panel? Melo instantly replied: “Dwight Howard, LeBron James. I’ll put myself in that.” Clearly, he sees entertainment chemistry in that trio. The interviewer dug deeper: “What type of show would that be?” With perfect comedic timing, Anthony revealed: “It’s like The Masked Singer.” Showing his vision for entertainment that blends sports legends with playful celebrity mystery. The chat got even funnier when FIBAWC asked about dream podcast trios.
“Which trio would make a funny podcast?” Carmelo Anthony shot back instantly: “Myself, Dwyane, and LeBron. That’d be a good funny podcast.” Classic Anthony, casual but killer instincts for on-air chemistry. Picture it though, three of the NBA’s wittiest stars trading stories, roasting each other, pure unfiltered chemistry. Not just content gold, but the brotherhood fans crave. That’s not a show, that’s an event.
While Carmelo Anthony’s podcast dreams sound hypothetical, sports legends already dominate entertainment, and his vision fits right in. These shows might just give a tough competition to All the Smoke’s unfiltered player convos or The Shop’s cultural deep dives. Inside the NBA and Knuckleheads prove fans crave authentic chemistry. With The Draymond Green Show setting new standards, a Melo-Wade-LeBron pod wouldn’t just compete, it’d actually rule.
Carmelo Anthony’s final assist, passing the torch to son
Carmelo Anthony’s retirement wasn’t just about basketball, it was a promise to his son. In a heartfelt tribute video, Melo declared, “Ky, chase your dreams,” passing the torch to Kiyan. Though he initially planned to retire in 2022 when Kiyan started high school, he delayed it to fulfill his 20-year NBA goal. But after 19 seasons, Kiyan urged him, “Go play with your bro…you ain’t going to never get a chance to do this again.” That push led to one final Lakers season alongside LeBron.
Melo’s career was legendary. 10x All-Star, 2013 scoring champ (28.7 PPG), and 9th all-time in points. Yet, family came first. On 7PM in Brooklyn, he revealed, “I always told him when you get to high school, I’m retiring no matter what’s happening.” But Kiyan’s selflessness changed plans. Instead of retiring at 18 years, Melo played his 19th, admitting, “His freshman year was my 19th year.” His son’s support gave fans one last glimpse of his scoring brilliance.
True to his word, Melo now dedicates his time to Kiyan’s journey. From taking him to the 2024 Paris Olympics to supporting his basketball career at Syracuse (Melo’s alma mater), he’s all in. The 18-year-old faces inevitable comparisons, but Melo’s presence ensures guidance, not pressure. Their bond, forged through sacrifice, like Kiyan insisting, “Go ahead…play your last year” proves legacy isn’t just stats, but the lessons passed down.
Carmelo Anthony and his son, Kiyan, watch the Don Bosco Prep Ironmen compete against the McEachern Indians in a game during the 50th annual City of Palms Classic at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Kiyan Anthony and the Long Island Luthern Crusaders defeated Westminster Academy earlier in the day.
The Anthony story is an example of balancing ambition and family. Melo’s “20-year plan” fell just short, but Kiyan’s encouragement made his 19th season unforgettable. Now, as Kiyan carves his own path, Melo’s vow has evolved into unwavering support. Whether in Paris or at Syracuse, it shows greatness isn’t just about personal accolades, but lifting the next generation.
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