NBA Legend Tracy McGrady Takes Stance on LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony Debate

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt John | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 8:31 PM ET

LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony both came into the NBA at the same time in 2003. James was the first overall pick made by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA Draft while Anthony was the third overall pick made by the Denver Nuggets.

Both had standout rookie seasons when they stepped foot in the NBA. James averaged nearly 21 points, 5.9 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals while shooting 41.7% from the field and 29% from three. Anthony averaged 21 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting 42.6% from the field and 32.2% from three.

Team-wise, despite James' best efforts, the Cavaliers just barely missed the playoffs in 2004. By contrast, Anthony's efforts were good enough to help the Nuggets make the playoffs, though the Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated them in the first round.

Even so, James took home Rookie of the Year honors that year. Among those who disagreed with James winning the award was Basketball Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady. McGrady explained on 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony why he disagreed with James winning.

"No shade to anybody, but I thought [Melo] should have run rookie of the year," McGrady said. "You should have won that (expletive)– you took your team to the playoffs."

He then explained why he thought Anthony was so impressive.

"That is a tremendous accomplishment for a rookie to come in, have that spotlight on him like that, and to get slighted on rookie of the year, I ain't like that at all," McGrady said.

“I thought [Melo] should’ve won Rookie of the Year.”

T-Mac believes rookie Melo getting the Nuggets to playoffs gave him the edge over LeBron pic.twitter.com/08g4IuaD9c
— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) July 19, 2025

McGrady played his last season for the Orlando Magic the year James and Anthony entered the NBA. James and Anthony would go on to be NBA teammates with the Los Angeles Lakers during Anthony's final NBA season (2021-22).

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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