Carmelo Anthony: Says He Will Not Accept a Veteran Role

Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony explained why he does not want to take on a smaller role late in his career. Speaking on the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Anthony said he does not consider the type of job veterans like Taj Gibson have taken on suitable for himself. Anthony also expressed his respect for that player.

Anthony said that how people will remember him is decisive in the final stage of his career. In his view, once players are seen in a particular role, their last image becomes the one that stays in the minds of younger players. For that reason, he argued, it is wrong to accept a role that does not fit one's identity.

The 42-year-old Anthony also addressed the role of veteran players in the locker room of the modern NBA. He said teams often say they need experienced leaders, but these players can be bothered when they are asked to question or hold accountable their younger teammates. According to Anthony, such a veteran can over time be pushed out within the club and eventually move away from the league.

Anthony wore the uniforms of the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers during his 19-season NBA career.