Carmelo Anthony was one of the best players of his generation and one of the greatest scorers in modern NBA history.

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Anthony’s exploits at the NBA, college, and international level led to him becoming a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025, in his very first year of eligibility.

Anthony was expected to become a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and that has proven to be the case as well. ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Anthony has been elected into the Class of 2025.

“First ballot: Carmelo Anthony has been notified that he’s been elected into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025, sources tell ESPN. Anthony made 10 All-Star appearances and six All-NBA teams in 19 seasons to go along with three Olympic gold medals for Team USA.”

There are times when fans are left in disbelief over a player getting into the Hall of Fame, but that certainly wasn’t the case here. The overwhelming majority believe Anthony deserved the honor of making it in on the first ballot itself.

“Well Deserved. One of the purest offensive players we have ever seen. Also had the balls to come to NY unlike others.”

“9th all time in scoring, 3 gold medals, 10x all star. If you don’t think thats hof worthy, you don’t know ball.”

“Deserved. Arguably the greatest USAMB Olympian.”

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“Never a doubt.”

“One of the greatest offensive players ever”

“Let’s not forget that he had the best 1 and done Freshman NCAA basketball season in history, leading Syracuse to its only national championship in school history.”

Anthony spent 19 seasons in the NBA from 2003 to 2022, averaging 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.5 blocks per game. He made 10 All-Star teams and won the scoring title in 2013.

Anthony never won a championship in the NBA, but did win the national title with Syracuse in 2003 and was the Most Outstanding Player. He also won three gold medals at the Olympics with Team USA.

Carmelo Anthony performs before the quarterfinal clash between the United States and Brazil at the Paris Olympics.

Carmelo Anthony performs before the quarterfinal clash between the United States and Brazil at the Paris Olympics.

Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

It will be interesting to see who else joins Anthony in this class. Some of the other finalists include Dwight Howard, Sue Bird and Maya Moore.