Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard and the 2008 “Redeem Team” Headline 2025 Naismith Hall of Fame Class
Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, and the legendary 2008 “Redeem Team” lead a powerful 2025 Naismith Hall of Fame class honoring basketball greatness and legacy. We discuss it here!
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
By: Joshua Martin
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame welcomed in its 2025 class this past weekend. A star studded group headlined by NBA icons Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard, alongside WNBA greats Maya Moore and Sylvia Fowles. The iconic 2008 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball squad, known as the Redeem Team featuring the late great Kobe Bryant, was also enshrined alongside longtime referee Danny Crawford, Miami Heat owner Micky Arison, WNBA Legend Sue Bird and Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan.
Melo, a 10 time All Star and one of the game’s most prolific mid range scorers, delivered one of the evening’s most emotional moments with a tribute to his late father.
“You left this world too soon, but you never left me. Your blood runs in mine. Your dream lives through me. This Hall of Fame jacket that I receive, I wear it for the both of us.”
"You left this world too soon but you never left me."
— NBA (@NBA) September 7, 2025
- Carmelo Anthony gives a shoutout to his father 🫶
📺 Class of 2025 Enshrinement Ceremony on NBA TV pic.twitter.com/IBatQMDMc3
Howard, a ferocious rebounder, eight time All Star and three time Defensive Player of the Year, reflected on the role his family played in his journey.
“You believed in me as much as I did but you wanted me to commit to it. I wrote down my goals and placed it above my bed along with my cross and you helped me achieve those goals, day after day.”
"Pops, mom your son is in the Hall of Fame."
— NBA (@NBA) September 6, 2025
Dwight Howard gives a special shoutout to his parents during his @Hoophall speech 🥹
📺 Class of 2025 Enshrinement Ceremony on NBA TV pic.twitter.com/qiQ6ZGqP3q
Moore, who retired early to focus on criminal justice reform, challenged future players to find joy in the game.
“There’s a lot of pressure to be motivated by fear. I want to challenge you up and comers to learn to love and seek out joy and connection as your biggest motivator.”
Auntie Maya has entered the chat 😂💬
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 7, 2025
Maya Moore gives advice to the next generation of athletes!#25HoopClass pic.twitter.com/YCMCjHTcp9
This 2025 class stands as a testament to basketball excellence and legacy. Featuring some of the most iconic names in the sport, this class will definitely be a memorable one.
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Michael Jordan Joins NBC Sports as Special Contributor for NBA’s 2025 Return
Michael Jordan returns to the NBA as a special contributor for NBC’s 2025-2026 season coverage, joining Peacock and NBC’s expanded broadcast lineup alongside Jamal Crawford, Reggie Miller, and Carmelo Anthony. We discuss it here!
Team owner, Michael Jordon, watches the Federated Auto Parts 400 in Richmond, VA, USA.
Credit: Grindstone Media Group
By: Joshua Martin
Michael “His Airness” Jordan is making his return to the NBA. In an announcement Monday, the five-time league MVP and six-time champion with the Chicago Bulls in the 90s, revealed he will be the newest addition to NBC’s coverage of the league. The six-time scoring champion will make his debut on the network when the 2025-2026 season begins in late October.
“I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC. The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and I’m excited about being a special contributor to the project. I’m looking forward to seeing you all when the NBA on NBC launches this October.”
The NBA returns to NBC and Peacock
“Michael’s legacy both on and off the court speaks for itself. We’re incredibly proud to have him join our coverage.”
NBCUniversal and the National Basketball Association announced an 11 year deal last summer to present NBA and WNBA regular season and playoff basketball games across a multitude of platforms starting with the 2025-2026 season.
Included in the agreement, Peacock will live stream exclusively on Monday night with nationally televised night games while NBC/Peacock will present national coverage of regional doubleheaders on Tuesday nights. Additionally, NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball in 2026 across NBC and Peacock.
Jordan joins a talented roster of former players and veteran television talent. Jamal Crawford, Reggie Miller, Carmelo Anthony, Mike Tirico and Noah Eagle have all been previously announced as mainstay contributors.
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Carmelo Anthony Announces Retirement from the NBA
Carmelo Anthony announces retirement from NBA, reflecting on his legendary career and leaving a lasting legacy. We discuss it here!
Carmelo Anthony (credit: Andreas Branch)
By: Joshua Martin
Ten-time all star Carmelo Anthony has officially announced his retirement from the NBA via an emotional video recap of his career where the caption simply read “Thank you #STAYME7O” During the video Melo mentioned that his on the court legacy pales in comparison to the love he has for his son, the game of basketball and the fans who supported him throughout his career.
Thank you #STAYME7O pic.twitter.com/4au8cOd13s
— Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) May 22, 2023
People ask what I believe my legacy is,” Anthony said. “It’s not my feats on the court that come to mind, all the awards or praise. Because my story has always been more than basketball. My legacy, my son … I will forever continue through you. The time has come for you to carry this torch.” - Carmelo via video address
The 38-year-old last played during the 2021-22 season where he was impressive coming off the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 13.3 points and 4.2 rebounds in 69 games.
Carmelo Anthony suits up for the Los Angeles Lakers. (Daniel Dunn / USA TODAY Sports)
During his prime, Carmelo was arguably one of the greatest scorers of his era. Earning him numerous all star selections, in addition to a scoring title in 2013 with the Knicks.
Carmelo played seven seasons in New York, he also spent time in Denver where he was selected number 3 overall by the Nuggets in one of the more memorable draft classes of all time, that saw Lebron James go number 1, Hall of Famer Chris Bosh at 4 and future hall of famer Dwayne Wade at 5.
The 75th Anniversary team member made stops in Houston, Portland and Oklahoma City as well, en route to a Top Ten finish in total points scored in league history.
Though uber talented, playoff success eluded CarMelo the majority of his career. The best chance he had at a title was in 2009 where the Nuggets fell short to the eventual champions, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. He only made it out of the first round one other time.
His performances with the USA Olympic team has definitely bolstered the 6 '7'’ forwards resume. The three time olympic gold medalist is the all time leader in appearance with 31, first in rebounds and second only behind Kevin Durant in points scored internationally.
Carmelo Anthony celebrates during the Olympics. (ESPN)
But where does he rank all time?
Being born in the late 1900’s, I had the privilege of watching Melo’s career unfold right before my eyes. From his days at Oak Hill Academy where he went toe to toe with longtime friend and rival LeBron James in a Nationally Televised high school game, to a National Championship victory after an impressive tournament run during his lone college season at Syracuse where he was named the Most Outstanding of the 2003 Final Four, all the way to his clutch performances at Madison Square Garden. Carmelo has always delivered!!
Carmelo Anthony celebrates after a three point shot at Madison Sqaure Garden. (Brad Penner / USA TODAY Sports)
However when discussing the greats, where will Carmelo Anthony end up? He was never known for his defense and I'm sure Nuggets fans haven’t forgotten how he forced his way out of Denver for greener pastures in New York. And let's gloss over the season he spent with Russ and PG13, as Carmelo was clearly out of his prime and the thoughts of a big three quickly materialized into a big two and a half.
Hindsight being what it is, Melo probably should have waited on a contract extension that prevented him from potentially teaming up with Dwayne Wade and Lebron during the 2010 offseason.
Nevertheless, a trip to the Hall of Fame is undeniable for the legend who averaged 22.5 points per game during 19 seasons. The 6 time all Nba selection sits 9th on the all time scoring list with 28,289 points.
In my opinion, Melo is in the top ten at his position. Not too many players had his pension for putting the ball in the hoop. The true definition of a “go to scorer”. Thanks Melo for the memories.
Carmelo Anthony celebrates as player for the Denver Nuggets. (Barry Gossage / Getty Images)
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Meet Joshua Martin, Senior Video Editor for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com