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Former Nuggets standout retires | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, September 7th 2025 at 22:14 GMT by Sporting News
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Carmelo Anthony Announces Retirement After an 18‑Year NBA Career

On a quiet Tuesday morning, former Denver Nuggets guard‑forward Carmelo Anthony stunned the basketball world by announcing his retirement from the National Basketball Association. The announcement came via a short, heartfelt video posted to the player’s Instagram account. In the clip, Anthony, a 7‑foot‑1‑inch titan of a scorer, looks directly into the camera and says, “I’ve decided to retire from the NBA. I’m done.” He follows with a nod to the fans, the team, and the game that had defined his life for nearly two decades.

The announcement not only marks the end of an illustrious career that spanned 18 seasons, but also closes the chapter on a brief but memorable stint with the Nuggets—a team that gave Anthony a final opportunity to prove his scoring prowess in the Western Conference.

A Hall‑of‑Fame‑Style Career

Carmelo Anthony was born in Brooklyn in 1984 and became an NBA superstar after being drafted 3rd overall by the New York Knicks in 2003. Over his career, he tallied 27,383 points, 6,391 rebounds, and 5,021 assists, making him one of the league’s most prolific scorers. He earned eight NBA All‑Star selections, was a member of the U.S. Olympic team that captured gold medals in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2021, and was a two‑time NBA All‑Defensive Team honoree.

Anthony’s NBA résumé is decorated with many other milestones—he posted a 42‑point, 9‑rebound, 10‑assist triple‑double against the Detroit Pistons in 2009, and he is the sixth‑all‑time leading scorer in New York Knicks history. He also became a beloved figure in Denver, where he played one season (2021‑22) before returning to the Los Angeles Lakers for a final run in 2022‑23.

The Nuggets Years: A Fresh Chapter

When the Nuggets announced that they would sign Anthony in July 2021, the NBA community watched with interest. Denver had lost the 2020 NBA Finals to the Milwaukee Bucks and was looking for a veteran presence to help keep their young core together. Anthony’s 25‑million, one‑year contract—an amendment to the previous season—was a statement: the Nuggets wanted to add a high‑profile scorer who could also mentor younger players.

Anthony’s first season in Denver was productive. He averaged 16.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in 45 games played. He scored 29 points in a game against the San Antonio Spurs on January 23, 2022, and also hit a clutch three‑pointer in the final seconds against the Utah Jazz to secure a 119‑112 win. His presence on the floor helped the Nuggets finish 45–37, good enough for the 6th seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

In the 2022 playoffs, Anthony faced the Miami Heat in the first round. Although the Nuggets lost the series 4‑1, Anthony’s performance—averaging 18.7 points and 4.5 rebounds in five games—demonstrated his durability and skill against top competition. The experience was short, but for Denver, Anthony added a veteran mindset and a deep‑throat scoring engine that left an indelible mark on the locker room.

The Decision to Hang Up the Cleats

When Anthony announced his retirement, he emphasized the emotional weight of the decision. “I’m proud of my game. I’ve given it everything,” he said. He further explained that the constant travel and grind had taken a toll on his body, and he wanted to prioritize his health and family.

The Nuggets community immediately responded with a wave of gratitude. General manager Jon Diebler posted a heartfelt tribute: “Carmelo has been a gift to Denver, both on and off the court. His work ethic, philanthropy, and love of the game will remain with us forever.” Nuggets head coach Michael Malone echoed similar sentiments, noting that Carmelo’s professionalism “set a standard for all of us.” Many teammates—including Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray—shared their admiration for Carmelo’s leadership and skill.

Looking Forward

In his post, Anthony mentioned that he plans to spend more time with his children, attend coaching clinics, and continue his involvement with youth basketball in his hometown of Brooklyn. He also expressed interest in potentially working with the NBA’s “We Are The Future” program, using his platform to give back to communities that helped shape him.

While his official “career end” may be a quiet retirement at home, Carmelo Anthony’s legacy lives on through his 18‑year journey, the countless fans who admired his game, and the new generation of players who were inspired by his work ethic and scoring flair.

In the world of basketball, careers are built on perseverance, skill, and the ability to adapt. Carmelo Anthony exemplified all three. His retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in NBA history, but his influence on the game—especially his brief but shining time with the Denver Nuggets—will be remembered for years to come.