Carmelo Anthony recently opened up about a humorous yet humbling experience during his final years in the NBA that made him consider retiring earlier than he did. Appearing on the “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast alongside former NBA player Rudy Gay, Anthony shared a memorable encounter with Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. that reminded him of his advancing age and changing role in the league.
“I wanted to get away from the game the minute that one of these young f***s started saying s**t. They started saying vintage… The worst is I ain’t know you still had that.”
“We playing Denver… This the first time I played Denver in a long time. Going back, Michael Porter is guarding me. I catch him on like the right elbow and just like catch it post quick jab go left and lay it up. He like ‘damn Unc, I ain’t know you still had that.'”
The story unfolded during a game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Nuggets, when Carmelo Anthony, a former Denver star himself, was matched up against Porter. After using his signature jab step to score on Porter, the young forward reacted in a way that caught Anthony off guard. Though meant as a compliment, the remark struck Anthony, making him reflect on his age and role as an elder statesman in the NBA.
Anthony’s journey from rookie sensation to veteran had been marked by tremendous achievements, including a scoring title, 10 All-Star selections, and a place on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. However, by the time of this interaction, the former star was nearing the end of his career.
For years, Anthony had been celebrated for his scoring prowess and smooth offensive moves. Known for his deadly mid-range game and ability to create space with quick, crafty footwork, he’d built a legacy as one of the most skilled scorers of his generation. But with age, the frequency of those highlights decreased, even as he continued to play valuable roles for teams like the Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Despite the initial sting, the moment ultimately didn’t deter Anthony from pushing forward in his career. After all, he had continued success with the Blazers, averaging 14.3 points per game across two seasons, and later with the Lakers, where he posted 13.3 points per game in his final season in 2021-22.
The anecdote serves as a reminder of the passage of time, even for legendary players like Anthony. It also highlights the generational divide in the NBA, where younger players often look up to veterans they grew up watching.
While Anthony may have felt a pang of discomfort, he acknowledged the respect behind Porter’s words. The comment revealed the duality of his position: while his skills were respected, they were also viewed through a lens of nostalgia, as if witnessing a “vintage” move from an all-time great.
Though he ultimately did retire in 2023, Anthony’s story is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Despite the whispers of retirement, he managed to stay productive in his final seasons, carving out meaningful roles and mentoring younger players.
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