Former Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony gets emotional at Hall of Fame induction ceremony

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — “To the game of basketball — you were my way out, but more than that, you were my way in.”

Former Portland Trail Blazers star Carmelo Anthony was emotional and shed many tears during his acceptance speech at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame ceremony on Sunday, reflecting on his nearly two-decade career.

On Saturday, the 10-time All Star reveled in the honor alongside his family and dozens of supporters from the red carpet to the main stage. Anthony began his career in Denver (2003-2010), where he spent eight seasons before heading to the Knicks for seven years (2010-2017). He bounced to the Thunder (2017-18), Rockets (2018-19), Portland (2019-2021), and finally the Lakers (2021-22) before retiring in 2023.

Although his time in the Rose City was short, in his two seasons, Anthony shot just under 43% from the field, averaged 14.4 points per game, 4.7 rebounds, and shot 86.7% from the free-throw line.

Due to the event taking place close to New York City, plenty of Knicks fans were in the crowd shouting “Carmelo! ‘Melo!” which made the moment even more special.

The Brooklyn native and four-time Olympian was wiping away tears from behind his gold glasses throughout his acceptance speech. He highlighted his journey from growing up in “the shadows” and how important it is to learn to break out of them rather than let them consume you.

“Tonight, I don’t just step into the Hall of Fame,” said Anthony, “I carry with me the echoes of every voice that ever told me I couldn’t. I walk with the shadows of every alley, every cracked court, every empty plate. I stand for the dreamers, the doubted, the dismissed, for every soul trapped in a place where I broke free from.”

He also shared appreciation and several shout-outs to his parents, siblings, Syracuse University, and others who had an influence on his life.

Anthony was joined by 2025 Hall classmate Dwight Howard, who is also being honored with the 2008 US men’s basketball squad, commonly referred to as “The Redeem Team,” for bringing home gold at the Beijing Olympic Games.

That victory proved to be a key moment since Team USA Men’s basketball has won every Olympic Games since that year.

Anthony directed most of his speech to the young viewers, emphasizing pushing through setbacks, “When you grew up in the shadows, you either get swallowed up by them or you learn how to shine away. You are the quiet whisper inside you that says, ‘I know there is more for me in this life.’ Hold on to that voice. It will be tested,” he said.