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

Summary

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.

Transcript

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Stephen A. Smith (1:32)

Yesterday the Naismith Basketball hall of Fame released its list of first time nominees for the class of 2025. On the women's side, the list includes Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, Shamiqua Holdsclaw. As for the men, the first time nominees are Dwight Howard, Marc Gasol, Amari Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony. Next year's class also has a repeat nominee in the 2008 Redeemed team that also included Carmelo, meaning he could go in twice next year. Dwight Howard belongs in the hall of Fame. He's a multiple time defensive player of the year, went to the NBA Finals, won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, lost the championship to the finals to the Lakers win Orlando, Kobe. Obviously his first championship without Shaquille O'Neal. So we can't forget that Dwight Howard belongs in there. Amar'e Stoudemire was a stud. You gotta look at his injury, injury history, longevity, but his game. Certainly hall of Fame caliber, okay. Gotta look at it from that standpoint. Marcus all international player, got to give him love. Can't dismiss that. So I get all of these things, but I want to focus on Carmelo Anthony and I want to tell y'all something. Whether Carmelo Anthony is willing to admit it this or not, the greatest mistake he ever made was signing that five year contract with the Denver Nuggets. You see, when he was with The Denver Nuggets, LeBron James, D. Wade and those brothers signed a contract in 2007 that gave them an opt out in 2010. Carmelo Anthony wanted the five years guarantee because as he explained at the time, I'm from Baltimore, shoot. I ain't passing up that kind of guaranteed dollars. Anything could happen. I could get injured, et cetera, et cetera. And that's what harmed him. Understand, ladies and gentlemen, that if Carmelo Anthony had been able to opt out of his deal in 2010, Carmelo Anthony would have joined LeBron James and D. Wade in Miami and he would have been a two time champion, I assure you of that. But because he didn't do that, that belonged to Chris Bosh, who obviously is in the hall of Fame and deservedly so, I might add. I'm just bringing up that point to make sure I break down to you the significance of Carmelo Anthony. This is a man that was a number three overall pick in 2003. The same class that LeBron James went number one, D. Wade went number five, Bosh went number four in that draft. And I know people look at Carmelo Anthony, he's a 10 time All Star. You see the resume right there. Final 4 MVP in 2003. NCAA champion at Syracuse. The only championship the Orangeman in Syracuse have ever achieved. A three time Olympic gold medalist, one time bronze medalist, six time All NBA player, 10 time NBA, All NBA scoring champion. Averaging 28.7 a game in 2012, 2013. Member of the NBA's 75th anniversary team, 10th on the NBA's all time scoring list. 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. No matter what your father was as a player, he's an even better person. He's a Hall of Fame man. That's how much love I have for Carmelo Anthony. But I'm gonna say this as well. There is no debating that Carmelo Anthony is a basketball hall of Famer. If it were just the NBA, it would be a challenge because he's never played in an NBA Finals. Never went to an NBA Finals. When he was in Denver, it was Shaq and Kobe or Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker and those boys standing in his way. When he went to New York, it was LeBron and the Miami Heat standing in their way even though they lost to the Indiana Pacers. I get all of that. But Carmelo Anthony was a hell of a player, a hell of a offensive juggernaut. No doubt about it. Unstoppable. Unstoppable. But he didn't go to the finals. And I understand that argument that could be made against him. Here's where it gets tricky. Chris Webber didn't win the championship. Dominique Wilkins didn't win a championship. Chris Mullen didn't win a championship. John Stockton didn't win a championship. Even though he was in a couple of NBA Finals. Him and Karl Malone. Different level, I get that. Patrick Ewan didn't win a championship. Charles Barkley didn't win a championship. I'm just saying there's plenty of players throughout NBA history that haven't won a championship. Now all of those players I mentioned got to an NBA Finals, okay? I think with the exception of Chris Webb if I remember correctly. But all I'm trying to say to you is 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. And again, that's just the NBA. There is no debating Carmelo Anthony as a college basketball player. The only man in the history of Jim Boeheim era in Syracuse to deliver a national championship. They had Dwayne Pearl. Washington, the greatest show in the history of college basketball. The Pearl. Go look it up. They had Sherman Douglas later on they had Derrick Coleman, later on they had Billy Owens later on. And Carmelo Anthony is the one that brought a national championship to that program. He's a three time Olympic gold medalist. We all know what he brings to the table in that regard. And he's a prolific scorer and he was box office. And here's another thing. If we gonna talk about Carmelo Anthony and give the full picture, let's say this. You are listening to someone and watching someone right now who loves and reveres the great Joe Dumas. The two time champion in the backcourt, Isaiah Thomas for the bad boy Detroit Pistons. The guy that ultimately was president of basketball operations that went to like six straight conference finals, back to back NBA championship appearances, won a championship and would have won Another if somebody had remembered to pick up Robert Horry in a left corner when they went up against San Antonio the second GO round. So let's understand that I bring up the Detroit Pistons for this reason. I know they had Tayshaun Prince with Rip Hamilton, with Chauncey Billups, with Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace. Had you drafted Carmelo Anthony? If Carmelo Anthony was on the Detroit Pistons, ladies and gentlemen, he has at least one title, if not two. So we gotta look at it from that standpoint as well. Is he LeBron James? No, but Carmelo Anthony was a caliber in terms of an offensive talent the likes of a D. Wade, a Chris Bosh. 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. If that brother could have opted out of his contract and joined D. Wade and LeBron in Miami instead of Bosh, they would have went to four NBA Finals just like they did. But I think they would have won three titles, not two. They wouldn't have lost to Dallas, I could promise you that. Not with Melo on that damn court. They done lost to Dallas. LeBron, you hesitant to shoot. Give me the rock. That's what Melo was. Give me the dear Rock. You a little nervous right now? Getting guarded in the post by J.J. barrea and Jason Terry? Oh, hell no. Give me the rock. They don't want a title. They don't want a title.