Carmelo Anthony recently shared a humorous and humbling story about a moment in his final NBA seasons that nearly prompted him to retire sooner than expected. On the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Anthony recalled a game against the Denver Nuggets where Michael Porter Jr., guarding him, made a comment that highlighted his aging status in the league.
After hitting a quick move to score on Porter, the young forward casually said, “Damn Unc, I ain’t know you still had that.” While meant as a compliment, the remark caught Anthony off guard, prompting him to reflect on his role as a veteran in the NBA. Despite the initial sting, the legendary forward did not let it derail his career, continuing to play a vital role with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Lakers, even mentoring younger players before retiring in 2023.
This story underscores the generational divide in the NBA, where young stars like Porter see the veterans they grew up watching in a new light—as both respected icons and relics of the past. For Anthony, it was a reminder of how quickly time passes, but it also reflected his resilience to keep going even as the game evolved around him.
