Tracy McGrady has reignited a classic NBA debate: Who really deserved Rookie of the Year in 2004? On a recent episode of the ‘7 PM in Brooklyn’ podcast, the Hall of Famer made it clear he believes Carmelo Anthony was snubbed in favor of LeBron James. McGrady pointed to Melo’s immediate impact in Denver—including leading the Nuggets to the playoffs—as proof that the award should have gone to him. Twenty years later, it’s a reminder of just how tight that rookie race was, and why some still believe the NBA got it wrong.
“You knew Camelo and LeBron and those dudes were gonna be tough. Honestly, no shade to anybody, but I thought [Carmelo Anthony] should’ve won ROTY [over LeBron James] ‘cause you took your team to the playoffs,” said McGrady. “That is a tremendous accomplishment for a rookie to come in, have that spotlight on him like that, and to get slighted on ROTY. I ain’t like that at all.”
The 2003 NBA Draft is widely regarded today as one of the most important in NBA history. It was a truly star-studded class that included several historically great players. Taken third overall by Denver, Anthony wasted no time proving he belonged, and he showed flashes of stardom right away.
“I knew he was gonna be tough because right away, you see the physicality on the offensive end,” said McGrady. “Typically, young guys come in and try to ease their way, but this motherf**cker was like a bruiser. You had to withstand that for 40 minutes of hell. I admired that young core coming in and being who they were at that time. Because when you talk about Kobe, me, AI, and Vince, now we got some young energy coming in this motherf**ker that’s confident, aggressive, and got game.”
With averages of 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, Anthony was getting a lot of attention as a Rookie of the Year candidate. Best of all, his Nuggets were actually somewhat competitive in the West with a 43-39 record.
Despite his efforts, Anthony lost the Rookie of the Year to LeBron James, who completed an explosive start to his NBA career. In the 2003-2004 campaign, he averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game on 41.7% shooting. His stats were nearly identical to Carmelo’s, except for the team win count, which sat at 35-47 for the Cavaliers.
With more points, rebounds, and team success, many fans still argue that Carmelo Anthony was the rightful Rookie of the Year. Others, like Dwyane Wade, believe LeBron and Anthony should have been co-winners of the award. It would not have changed much in their respective places in the NBA hierarchy, but it would have honored Melo with the recognition he deserved.
Two decades later, the debate still sparks emotion. While LeBron’s legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history is secure, McGrady’s take is a reminder that awards don’t always reflect the full picture. For Carmelo Anthony, Rookie of the Year might have been a small chapter in a big career, but to some, it’s still a recognition he was unfairly denied.
