Carmelo Anthony is an American former professional basketball player who had a successful 19-season career in the NBA.
He is known for his scoring prowess and has been named an NBA All-Star ten times.
Anthony played college basketball for Syracuse University, winning a national championship in 2003 and being named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
He was drafted third overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 2003 NBA draft.
Throughout his career, he played for various teams including the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Anthony also had a significant presence in international basketball, representing the US national team in four Olympics and winning three gold medals and one bronze medal.
Ethnicity
Anthony is of mixed ethnicity, being Afro-Latino and Puerto Rican.
His father, Carmelo Iriarte, was Puerto Rican, with African, Spanish and Indigenous (likely TaÃno) ancestry. His mother is African-American.
Anthony has expressed pride in his Puerto Rican heritage, with his father being a member of the Young Lords, a Puerto Rican social justice group.Â
He has actively engaged with his Puerto Rican roots, including building basketball courts in Puerto Rico and owning an NASL soccer team there.
Anthony has a tattoo of the Puerto Rican flag on his hand as a symbol of his heritage.
History of Puerto Rican descent in the US
Puerto Rican descent in the United States has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century when Puerto Ricans began immigrating to New York City.
Over time, Puerto Rican communities have been established in various urban areas across the country, facing challenges such as crime, unemployment and discrimination.Â
The Puerto Rican population in the U.S. is diverse, with many individuals of mixed Spanish and African descent.
Despite these challenges, Puerto Ricans have made significant contributions to American society, excelling in various fields such as politics, culture and sports.
The Puerto Rican community has built institutions like churches, community centers and businesses that benefit future generations.
Politically, Puerto Ricans have advocated for civil rights, education access, and changes in the status of Puerto Rico.
The community has produced notable figures in entertainment, literature, and sports, contributing to the cultural tapestry of the United States.
The Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City has become a significant cultural event, showcasing the community’s pride and heritage.
Carmelo Anthony career
Anthony is a retired American professional basketball player known for his prolific scoring ability.Â
He played college basketball at Syracuse University, leading them to a national championship in 2003 and being named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
In the NBA, Anthony was drafted third overall by the Denver Nuggets in 2003.
Throughout his career, he played for various teams including the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Anthony was a 10-time NBA All-Star and a member of the All-NBA Team six times.
He excelled in international basketball, winning three Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012, 2016) and one bronze medal (2004).
Anthony is known for his scoring prowess and outside shooting skills.
Despite facing criticism for his playing style and team success in the NBA playoffs, he remains one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.