The Stephen A. Smith Show: Stephen A's Take on Carmelo Anthony and the 2025 Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Class

Release Date: December 21, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the recently announced 2025 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class. While the roster includes several notable figures from both the women's and men's sides of the game, Stephen A. places a special emphasis on Carmelo Anthony, offering a comprehensive analysis of his career and Hall of Fame prospects.

2025 Hall of Fame Class Overview

Stephen A. begins by outlining the first-time nominees for the 2025 Hall of Fame induction:

• Women's Side:

  • Sue Bird
  • Maya Moore
  • Sylvia Fowles
  • Shamiqua Hawkesclaw

• Men's Side:

  • Dwight Howard
  • Marc Gasol
  • Amar'e Stoudemire
  • Carmelo Anthony

He also notes that the 2008 Redeemed team, which included Carmelo Anthony, is a repeat nominee, potentially allowing Carmelo to receive induction twice in the upcoming year.

Dwight Howard and Amar'e Stoudemire: Affirmations for Fellow Nominees

Before focusing on Carmelo, Stephen A. acknowledges the merits of his fellow male nominees:

• Dwight Howard:
  "Dwight Howard belongs in the Hall of Fame. He's a multiple-time Defensive Player of the Year, went to the NBA Finals, and won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers." (03:15)

• Amar'e Stoudemire:
  "Amar'e Stoudemire was a stud. Despite his injury history and questions about longevity, his game certainly places him within Hall of Fame caliber." (04:02)

• Marc Gasol:
  "Marcus, an international player, deserves love and recognition. We can't dismiss his contributions to the game." (04:35)

Carmelo Anthony: A Comprehensive Analysis

Career Achievements

Stephen A. presents a robust case for Carmelo Anthony's Hall of Fame candidacy by highlighting his illustrious career:

• Draft and Early Career:
  "Carmelo Anthony was the number three overall pick in 2003, the same class as LeBron James, D. Wade, and Chris Bosh." (05:10)

• Accolades:

  • 10-time All-Star
  • Final Four MVP in 2003
  • NCAA Champion at Syracuse (only championship for the program)
  • Three-time Olympic gold medalist
  • Six-time All-NBA player
  • 10-time NBA All-Scoring Champion
  • Averaged 28.7 points per game in 2012 and 2013
  • Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team
  • 10th on the NBA's all-time scoring list

• Personal Tribute:
  "Let me say this to Kyan, his son, Kyan Anthony, who's going to Syracuse: Your father's special. Your father's a Hall of Famer." (06:45)

Controversial Career Decisions

The crux of Stephen A.'s argument centers on Carmelo Anthony's decision to sign a five-year guaranteed contract with the Denver Nuggets in 2007:

• "The greatest mistake he ever made was signing that five-year contract with the Denver Nuggets." (07:20)

Stephen A. posits that had Carmelo opted for the flexibility similar to LeBron James and D. Wade's contracts, he would have joined them in Miami, potentially securing two NBA championships.

• "If Carmelo Anthony had been able to opt out of his deal in 2010, he would have joined LeBron James and D. Wade in Miami and he would have been a two-time champion." (07:55)

He contrasts this with Chris Bosh's situation, who did opt into the Miami Heat, leading to two championships and eventual Hall of Fame induction.

Debating Hall of Fame Criteria

Addressing the common critique regarding Carmelo's lack of an NBA championship, Stephen A. argues that:

• "Ain't the criteria for being a Hall of Famer. It was your game, your numbers, your significance, your cachet, what you are when you were on the basketball court." (08:50)

He draws parallels with other Hall of Famers who never won a championship, emphasizing that individual excellence and impact on the game hold significant weight in Hall of Fame considerations.

Comparative Insights: Carmelo vs. Other Legends

Stephen A. juxtaposes Carmelo Anthony's career with other notable players to underscore his point:

• Historic Performers Without Championships:
  "Chris Webber didn't win the championship. Dominique Wilkins didn't win a championship. Chris Mullin didn't win a championship. John Stockton didn't win a championship." (08:15)

• Potential Impact on Teams:
  Using the Detroit Pistons as an example, Stephen A. speculates that had Carmelo been part of their roster, they might have secured one or two championships.

  "If Carmelo Anthony was on the Detroit Pistons, ladies and gentlemen, he has at least one title, if not two." (09:05)

Conclusion: Undeniable Hall of Fame Credentials

Stephen A. wraps up his argument by firmly stating Carmelo Anthony's rightful place in the Hall of Fame:

• "There is no debating that Carmelo Anthony is a basketball Hall of Famer." (09:25)

He acknowledges the absence of an NBA Finals appearance but reiterates that Carmelo's individual prowess and contributions to the game more than compensate for this shortfall.

• "Carmelo Anthony was a hell of a player, a hell of a offensive juggernaut. No doubt about it. Unstoppable." (09:10)

Stephen A. concludes with a personal note of admiration and regret over Carmelo's career decisions, emphasizing his unwavering support for the player's legacy.

• "I'm just saying, y'all, it's Carmelo Anthony. And I'm telling you, he's a Hall of Famer. I just wish that he had gone to Miami. I still cry about that." (09:30)

Key Takeaways

• Carmelo Anthony's Career Excellence:
  Acknowledged as one of the game's premier scorers and a significant contributor both in college and the NBA.

• Contract Decisions Impacting Legacy:
  Stephen A. believes Carmelo's five-year guaranteed contract limited his championship opportunities, which in turn affected his NBA Finals appearances.

• Hall of Fame Criteria Beyond Championships:
  Emphasis on individual talent, statistical achievements, and overall impact on the game as primary factors for Hall of Fame induction.

• Comparative Analysis:
  Carmelo stands alongside other legendary players who, despite lacking championships, are recognized for their extraordinary careers.

Notable Quotes

• "Dwight Howard belongs in the Hall of Fame." – Stephen A. Smith (03:15)
• "Amar'e Stoudemire was a stud." – Stephen A. Smith (04:02)
• "Carmelo Anthony is a Hall of Famer." – Stephen A. Smith (09:25)
• "He's a hell of a player, a hell of an offensive juggernaut. No doubt about it." – Stephen A. Smith (09:10)

Final Thoughts

Stephen A. Smith passionately advocates for Carmelo Anthony's induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame, presenting a compelling case that transcends the conventional metrics of championships. His analysis is both nuanced and fervent, reflecting his deep appreciation for Carmelo's contributions to the sport.

For listeners and fans seeking an in-depth perspective on Carmelo Anthony's legacy and Hall of Fame prospects, this episode provides invaluable insights and a persuasive argument for honoring one of basketball's prolific talents.