Carmelo Anthony, the legendary NBA player, recently ignited a firestorm by questioning the Denver Nuggets' decision to award Nikola Jokić, their reigning MVP, his jersey number 15. Anthony, who wore 15 during his eight-year tenure with the Nuggets, believes the move was a deliberate attempt to erase his legacy with the franchise.
In an appearance on "7PM in Brooklyn," Anthony described the decision as a "petty maneuver" and claimed the Nuggets weren't simply offering Jokic a choice from available numbers. He believes they specifically assigned him 15 to "try to erase what I did."
Anthony's argument stems from his undeniable contributions to the Nuggets. Drafted 3rd overall in 2003, he established himself as a scoring machine, averaging 24.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. He led the team to the playoffs every year from 2004 to 2010, including two division titles and a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2009. While Jokic ultimately secured a championship for the Nuggets in 2023, Anthony feels his impact shouldn't be diminished.
However, Anthony's tenure with the Nuggets wasn't without its controversies. In 2011, he forced a trade to the New York Knicks, citing Denver's rebuild plans. The move generated mixed reactions, with some fans understanding his desire for a championship contender and others criticizing his departure.
Despite his frustration with the jersey number issue, Anthony acknowledges that Jokic is now synonymous with No. 15 for the younger generation. He attributes this to the natural generational shift and emphasizes that his accomplishments happened "13 years ago." He encourages fans to move on and appreciate the different eras of Nuggets basketball.
This controversy reignites the debate about balancing respect for past legends with recognizing current stars. While Jokic's achievements deserve recognition, Anthony's significant impact on the Nuggets shouldn't be forgotten. The decision to award No. 15 to Jokic might have been unintentional, but it undoubtedly sparked a conversation about legacy and the evolution of sports franchises.
