LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony were never destined to be teammates. LeBron was a high school prodigy, The Chosen One, and Carmelo had just led Syracuse to a national championship, thus emerging as a polished, battle-tested winner. They weren’t just two stars of the 2003 NBA draft. Instead, the front page of a Cleveland Plain Dealer’s sports section styled them as basketball’s Ali vs Frazier— two young phenoms destined for a relentless battle for supremacy. Even the tagline of the old-fashioned poster read, “Rivalry Begins Tonight!”–one that would define an era. Well, define it did— just not in the way you’d expect. While Ali and Frazier’s intense battles were indeed fueled by animosity, LeBron and Carmelo’s story took a much different path.

But even scripted rivalries have a way of rewriting themselves. On the night of “Clash of the Titans”, as the poster declared their battle had begun. LeBron James, the number one overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft scored 36 points, and Carmelo Anthony selected third scored 34. Despite the slight point disparity, LeBron was outplayed in his Cleveland home debut, and Anthony led the Nuggets to a win, proving that the No. 1 pick didn’t guarantee immediate dominance. Anthony kept winning their head-to-head matchups, taking eight of their first ten games. He averaged more points and rebounds in their rookie season and led Denver to the playoffs while LeBron’s Cavaliers stayed home. Even when LeBron claimed Rookie of the Year honors, Carmelo believed the vote should’ve been closer—maybe even in his favor, but James won.

And yet, when the playoffs rolled around that spring, LeBron showed up in Denver—not to scout or analyze, but to support Carmelo. The latter was surprised, even caught off guard, but touched by the simple act of friendship all the same. Through the years, their careers diverged, and their choices placed them on different paths, even together for once in 2021, but that connection never faded. “No matter if I was in Denver playing, New York, no matter where I was at and wherever he was at, that connection was always there,” Anthony shared of their bond.

Well, it surely was. When Carmelo Anthony secured his place among basketball’s immortals with a Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame election, LeBron James didn’t hold back his admiration. No debates, no rivalries—just a friend celebrating another’s long-overdue recognition with a simple five-word message. “CONGRATULATIONS MY BROTHER! PEACE GOD @carmeloanthony,” LeBron tweeted, his words carrying the weight of two decades of shared history. It wasn’t just a message; it was a tribute to everything Carmelo had fought for—the scorer, the champion, the icon who had carved his legacy in his own way. After all, the two friends weren’t just competing for wins, they were vying for legacy, side by side, yet apart.

But while Anthony has already secured his place in Springfield, six others are still waiting for their moment. Some names feel inevitable; others spark debate. And in Dwight Howard’s case, the conversation has been ongoing for years.

Dwight Howard is not stressing for the Hall of Fame announcement

While Anthony has secured his place in Springfield, others are still waiting. Dwight Howard, an eight-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, remains on the bubble. But he isn’t dwelling on it. Reflecting on his recent induction into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame, he said, “Whether I make the Hall of Fame or not, getting inducted into the Orlando Magic HOF and celebrating with my partners was a blessing, and I’m truly appreciative.”

Howard’s legacy, however, is undeniable. He led the NBA in rebounds five times, blocks twice, and carried the Magic to the 2009 Finals. A key contributor to the Lakers’ 2020 championship, his exclusion from the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team still sparks debate. Whether the Hall of Fame corrects that omission remains to be seen.

Joining him as finalists are Marques Johnson and Buck Williams—two decorated forwards long overdue for recognition—along with coach Billy Donovan, referee Danny Crawford, and Miami Heat executive Micky Arison. The 2008 U.S. Olympic “Redeem Team,” which restored American dominance in basketball, is also in the mix, adding another layer to this year’s class.

For now, the decision looms. Some will get the call; others will continue to wait. But as Anthony celebrates his enshrinement, Howard and the rest of the finalists remain hopeful that their moment is coming soon.