The NBA bubble has been terrific for Carmelo Anthony. The future Hall of Famer is playing great basketball and keeps breaking records every time he steps on the court. On Sunday night, Melo surpassed John Havlicek and Paul Pierce to sit 15th on the all-time scoring list with 26,403 points.
Now, Melo will try to surpass San Antonio Spurs legend Tim Duncan, who scored 26,496 points during his successful career. Anthony has been one of the best scorers of our times, he’s been consistent, scoring more than 20 points per game during each of his first 14 seasons in the NBA. If he keeps his current pace, the 36-year-old could finish next season as the 10th best scorer of all time.
The full list of players with more career points than Carmelo Anthony:
Kareem
Karl Malone
LeBron
Kobe
MJ
Dirk
Wilt
Shaq
Moses Malone
Elvin Hayes
Hakeem
Oscar
Dominique
Duncan
Yet people will still try to question his greatness. I’ll never understand it. pic.twitter.com/XfZXA27uTf
— Hilltop Hoops (@HilltopNBA) August 10, 2020
One Reddit user explained how Melo could reach another milestone in his career next year.
He currently has 12 points at halftime so let’s assume he finishes with 24 today (26415). Portland have two regular season games left and Melo is averaging 15 PPG so let’s add 30 to his tally (26445).Assuming he enters next season on 26445 points he would need to score 869 points to pass Hayes in 10th spot all-time.He could reach this by:Playing all 82 games and averaging 10.6 points per game.Playing 50 games and averaging 17.4 points per game.Playing 60 games and averaging 14.5 points per game.Playing 70 games and averaging 12.4 points per game.
This is a great time for Melo, who has been very important for his Portland Trail Blazers, the team that gave him a new chance in the NBA. If you look for a word to describe him in the bubble, that is ‘clutch’. The former New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets star is doing impressive things this season, increasing his legacy this campaign.
His friends and colleagues congratulated Melo, explaining how much he deserves this recognition.
Congrats to @carmeloanthony of the @trailblazers for moving up to 15th on the all-time SCORING list! pic.twitter.com/h8FWiN0Z6u
— NBA (@NBA) August 9, 2020
#15 ALL-TIME pic.twitter.com/BqoOXGqAo1
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) August 9, 2020
TOP 15!!! @carmeloanthony
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) August 9, 2020
Keep going my brother!!! ✊🏾 @carmeloanthony https://t.co/2gm7bTLfXZ
— Chris Paul (@CP3) August 10, 2020
Melo deserves all these moments and more. The fact so many people tried to end his career early for him is disturbing. Get your flowers Melo. We are with you always!! https://t.co/o8P3MpF9KU
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) August 10, 2020
Anthony is doing everything to get another chance in the league next year. He was forgotten at some point and now is doing his thing once again. You have to give some credit to the player.
