Carmelo Anthony‘s son has had awe-inspiring games in his senior year. Under the Georgia Dome lights at Peach Jam, Kiyan Anthony went off for 40 points (15‑19 FG, 5‑6 3PT). This followed back-to-back thrilling performances. It was obvious that no one saw the heartbreaking snub coming! This was even more painful for the former NBA player, given his recent deal with the $220 billion brand. But the 18-year-old’s incredible win in the Jordan Classic brought much peace to Melo.

Netizens on social media expressed their disappointment after Kiyan wasn’t among the players listed on the roster for the McDonald’s All-American tournament. He missed two months after a back injury, falling short of the 50‑game minimum required for McDAAG eligibility. It wasn’t serious, but he needed rest. And as per the criteria of the tournament, a player must have played 50 percent of the games in their senior year to be eligible for the tournament. Regardless, there was frustration. Especially for Kiyan’s father, who had made a deal with the McDonald’s All-American Games.

Kiyan’s resurgence at the Jordan Brand Classic and Iverson Classic has given Melo fresh pride. The 18-year-old was just one point away from breaking Melo’s record as he dropped 26 points at the 2025 Jordan Brand Classic, winning the MVP honor at the tournament. Kiyan also won the People’s Choice Award at the 2025 Iverson Classic. 

“It was definitely satisfying. It was, I think, more so for him. Like I wanted it for him more so than anything else. He’s just about to start going through hurdles and adversity and all of that s–t So for him to do that told me, showed me something,” Melo said. He further added, “The Jordan brand is here. It was my game back then. You made it your game. Ain’t nobody give you that. From that aspect of it, I love what I seen from it. I appreciate him taking that on and saying “F— it I’m here, understand. I understand the assignment. I understand why we here. I’m going to go do this.”

It was an important moment. So, it was understandable why Melo was upset over it. Along with other McDAAG alums in other ads, Melo too was seen endorsing the new meal for the fast-food chain McDonald’s (valued at $220.41B as per Macrotrends). On 7PM in Brooklyn, he expressed his disappointment. 

After Kiyan torched the Jordan Brand Classic for 26 points and MVP honors, Melo offered heartfelt praise

What does Carmelo Anthony think about working with his son? 

He is more than thrilled to give his son a glimpse into an unfamiliar part of his life. From the NBA courts to practicing alongside him in gyms, Kiyan has closely watched his father. And it seems he is making efforts to quickly catch up with him on the business side, too. The 18-year-old recently joined his father for David Yurman’s new campaign.

Melo and the famed jewelry brand have teamed up for the men’s Curb Chain collection. Speaking to PEOPLE, the former NBA player mentioned that he has known the brand since he was a kid, which makes this collaboration even more meaningful. Shot by creative director Set Free Richardson and styled by Khalilah Beavers, the campaign also features Kiyan. 

The father and son share a heartwarming moment over a game of pool, discussing life and basketball. “This was a deep moment. I got a chance to really immerse him into a part of my world that he hasn’t been in. He’s seen everything, he’s been around everything, but seeing me work in this way, seeing me prepare for the shoot, and seeing me work in that type of environment was special to me,” Melo said about getting a chance to have his son at his workplace.

Anthony and David Yurman, both NYC natives, aligned on elevating timeless design. Speaking of his own jewelry collection, the former New York Knicks player added that he would like to pass some down to his family. All in all, Melo said it felt more like a celebration, a wholesome one at that.