Carmelo Anthony gives SURPRISING answer to LaMelo Ball taking his nickname

Carmelo Anthony has officially ended the “MELO” debate with LaMelo Ball. Both players share the same nickname. And, the internet has always beefed on it. But things have now settled down after Anthony addressed the debate. Even though he has always shown love to LaMelo Ball and supported his moves and the celly he got from him. He had to come out and end the unnecessary debate once and for all.

Carmelo Anthony has hanged his gloves and left behind a legacy of greats which will be carried by his son and enjoyed by the basketball world. As he called it a career some months ago and now is enjoying retirement. LaMelo Ball though is just starting to establish himself as a superstar in the league. Both the Melos are great players and are loved unconditionally by their fans. They have never had any ill feelings between them due to their similar nicknames.

Carmelo Anthony was recently interviewed by Overtime Maddy and there he was questioned about his thoughts on LaMelo Ball having the same nickname as him. First Anthony joked around with another nickname, “Hoodie Melo.” But then went on to express his real thoughts on it by reflecting on a moment he had with LaMelo Ball.

Anthony quoted: “I love it. People actually thought I was gonna have a problem with it. We about to play Charlotte. And, it is like Melo vs Melo… So by the time we had walkthrough, Charlotte was coming on to do their shoot-around. LaMelo comes out. So when I get done shooting I see him. Now I see everybody else’s like ‘What’s about to happen here?’ And, I went upto him and I was just like welcome to the NBA… I want you to carry that sh*t with you bro. You do what you do. It’s only going to keep me alive. So I gave it to him like that.”

Further, Carmelo Anthony even mentioned how even LaMelo Ball wasn’t expecting this from him. It really was a special approach from his end. And, there are no hard feelings between them as Carmelo believes LaMelo to be just like his son and is even himself down to call him Melo.

Related: Carmelo Anthony’s iconic years: Knicks vs Nuggets Stint Comparison 

First face-off between Carmelo Anthony and LaMelo Ball

During LaMelo Ball’s rookie year, he got a chance to face Carmelo Anthony. As the Charlotte Hornets faced the Portland Trail Blazers on 1st March 2021. The Blazers got the dub at 123-111 behind Carmelo Anthony’s 29 points performance with 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Even Damian Lillard contributed with 23 points and 10 assists. LaMelo Ball though did all he could dropping a 30-point bomb with 8 assists and 6 rebounds. Before the game, he had a moment with Carmelo Anthony and after the game even exchanged his jersey with him.

Carmelo Anthony has been watching LaMelo Ball since his high school days. And, has always supported the younger generation. Even after the game when he was questioned about Ball doing his signature celebration and having the same nickname. Anthony in response just showed love to the rook.

In the post-game presser, he said: “I embraced it. I vouch for it. He can do it. I blessed him, I let him know he can carry it on, I think LaMelo is somebody who is going to be in this game for a long time, so the name Melo, you might as well continue to stay with it. I don’t get into that, though. For me, it’s a respect thing. It’s an honor for him to have that name, for him to embrace it.” It’s all love and respect between them and LaMelo Ball will now be carrying Melo’s legacy as he enjoys retirement.

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