This past weekend was pivotal for Carmelo Anthony and his basketball legacy. The former Nuggets player was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday (Sept. 6), bringing along his children, Kiyan and Genesis Anthony, to share in the moment! As he entered the venue, the Associated Press reported that chants of “Melo! Melo!” greeted him. Anthony announced his retirement from the NBA in 2023 through a heartfelt video on social media.

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Carmelo Anthony Credits His Son & Daughter In Speech

Upon stepping onto the stage for his induction, Anthony appeared visibly emotional. He expressed tears of joy over the atmosphere and the significance of reaching the basketball Hall of Fame despite the challenges he faced growing up in Brooklyn and Baltimore.

“Tonight I just don’t step into the Hall of Fame, I carry 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…I had to build a new road. I had to write a new ending,” Anthony reportedly stated.

In addition to expressing gratitude to his parents, siblings, Syracuse University, the NBA, and others, he also acknowledged his children, Kiyan and Genesis.

“Raising children in this world is revolutionary. I didn’t just want to be a basketball player. I wanted to be a model of redemption, of accountability, of love. My kids saved me,” he remarked, gesturing towards them in the audience. “They gave me a reason to move past ego, past noise, past criticism. They reminded me that legacy isn’t what you leave behind; it’s what you lift up.”

More Details About Carmelo’s Two Kids

Melo’s fans are familiar with his firstborn, Kiyan Anthony. The former pro-athlete and La La Anthony, whom he married in 2010 and divorced in 2021, welcomed their son in March 2007. Over the years, the separated parents have united to celebrate their son’s achievements, including his basketball games and high school graduation in May. On the court, he’s recognized as a four-star shooting guard. He is following in his father’s footsteps this fall after committing to Syracuse University and its college basketball team. Recently, the 18-year-old gained attention online after showcasing his relationship with 22-year-old Angel Bradley.

Kiyan is also an older brother to Genesis Anthony, whom Carmelo welcomed with Mia Burks in August 2017. At that time, he was still married to La La. According to PEOPLE, the couple briefly separated in April 2017 but reconciled in late 2018 before La La filed for divorce in 2021. Burks publicly acknowledged Carmelo’s paternity but he remained private regarding their parenting matters, as noted by PEOPLE. In May 2023, he confirmed being a father of two while announcing his retirement from the NBA and included a picture of Kiyan and Genesis in the video. His daughter’s appearance at the induction was one of her rare sightings. Carmelo and Mia celebrated her birthday last month with a Knicks-themed party.

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Dwight Howard Also Inducted Into Hall Of Fame

Carmelo Anthony wasn’t the only honoree on Saturday; Dwight Howard also solidified his legacy with a Hall of Fame induction. Despite his playful demeanor on the court, he is one of four players with three Defensive Player of the Year awards. In his speech, he lovingly acknowledged his mother’s sacrifices.

“My mother lost seven children and she allowed me to bring sunshine into her life,” he said. “I’m just honored to stand in front of you as one of the greatest basketball players ever.”

His wife Amy Luciani, who entered his life following his retirement from the NBA after the 2021-22 season, also received recognition as she supported him from the crowd. “I love you, and I’m truly blessed to have you a part of my life,” Dwight expressed. Their public reconciliation followed several accusations she made against him in June, which he denied in July.

Additionally, during his Hall of Fame speech, Howard shared an inspiring message with those present: “This is your universe; this is your one song. How do you want your song to sound when people hear it? Will they want to throw it out or run it back? And remember, you only die once; but you live every day.”

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