'It’s Crazy Because MJ Wasn’t My Favorite Player': Carmelo Anthony Gets Real Hoping Michael Jordan Would Induct Him In Hall Of Fame

“I was inspired by MJ,” Anthony said [15:54]. “I was inspired by MJ and it’s crazy because MJ wasn’t my favorite player, but I was inspired by MJ.”

Jordan’s antics, particularly his two three-peats at the Chicago Bulls and his relentless competitive and clutch drive, make him an inspiring figure stretching from Carmelo Anthony’s era to today’s young superstars.

Carmelo Anthony also credited Allen Iverson, whom he played with at the Denver Nuggets for two seasons.

“Then you have AI, who impacted my whole professional career. We all know the impact that AI had on us,” he said. “We can relate to that—product of environments, still going out there doing what you got to do.”

Completing Anthony’s trio is Dwayne Wade, whom the former Syracuse Orange player considered a brother.

“Then also you got, like, my brother D-Wade, who’s in there,” Anthony added. “I’m going to try to do all three.”

Carmelo Anthony also mentioned players like Bernard King, Jamal Mushburn, Lamar Odom, and Julius Erving. Still, he compiled Jordan, Iverson, and Wade as the figures he hopes to attend his ceremony.

“My life was impacted by more than one person. So now I need three. That’d be a crazy three though,” Anthony concluded.

Carmelo Anthony enters 2025 HOF class: What’s in it?

Carmelo Anthony, among other NBA legends, headlines the 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, remembered for his prolific scoring and international success. Played for 19 seasons, Anthony amassed 28,289 points, ranking tenth all-time, and has earned six All-NBA honors.

Anthony’s time was marked during his stints at the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks, bringing both teams to the playoffs. In 2009, he led Denver to its first conference finals appearance since 1985, while he broke the Knicks’ record for most points in a single game (62) in 2014.

Joining Carmelo Anthony is Dwight Howard, whom he played with at the 2008 Olympics, and WNBA legends Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and Sylvia Fowles. Coach Billy Donovan, referee Danny Crawford, team owner Micky Arison, and the 2008 “Redeem Team” lineup are also in this year’s class.