Carmelo Anthony’s induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2025 marked the culmination of a nearly two-decade career defined by scoring prowess and consistent performance. Now the New York Knicks look set to honor their star man.
With 28,289 career points, placing him ninth on the NBA’s all-time list, 10 All-Star appearances, six All-NBA honors, and three Olympic gold medals, Anthony’s achievements have been widely recognized.
Yet one milestone remains uncertain: whether the Knicks will formally retire his jersey.
Anthony’s tenure with the Knicks remains a defining period of his career. Acquired in 2011, he played seven seasons in New York, averaging nearly 25 points per game while leading the team through both playoff campaigns and challenging seasons.
His 62-point performance at Madison Square Garden stands as one of the franchise’s most iconic individual achievements, exemplifying his capacity to carry the team offensively.
Anthony has consistently highlighted his connection to the Garden, calling it a central stage for his career and the broader NBA. And the question of retiring Anthony’s number has surfaced repeatedly since his retirement.
In a recent Knicks Mailbag segment, NBA insider Ian Begley indicated that discussions within the organization continue, though no official decision has been made.
Begley noted that strong internal support exists for retiring Anthony’s jersey but emphasized that the final authority lies with team owner James Dolan. The situation suggests that while recognition is favored, formal acknowledgment remains pending.
Anthony has fond memories of his time in the Big Apple
Anthony himself has expressed interest in seeing his contributions formally honored. Following his Hall of Fame induction, he remarked that he would welcome the retirement of his number, framing it as a timely acknowledgment of his impact on the franchise.
The sentiment reflects both his pride in his accomplishments and a desire for closure regarding his tenure in New York.
The circumstances of Anthony’s departure from the Knicks in 2017 continue to influence the conversation.
Once the franchise’s primary figure, his relationship with then-president Phil Jackson deteriorated after a challenging season. Jackson publicly indicated that Anthony would be better served elsewhere, culminating in a trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder despite Anthony’s no-trade clause.
Anthony has described the experience as abrupt and personally difficult, noting that it felt like being removed from the city he had helped define on the court.
Anthony’s legacy remains untarnished
Despite the contentious exit, Anthony’s statistical and cultural impact on the Knicks remains substantial.
He surpassed 10,000 points for the franchise, produced multiple historic single-game performances, and provided leadership during both competitive and transitional periods for the team. These accomplishments, coupled with his Hall of Fame recognition, strengthen the case for retiring his jersey.
As the Knicks consider this step, the decision holds symbolic significance for both the organization and its fans. Retiring Anthony’s number would not only honor his individual achievements but also acknowledge the era in which he shaped the identity of Madison Square Garden.
With his contributions firmly established in franchise history, a formal ceremony could serve as a long-awaited tribute to one of New York basketball’s most influential figures.
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