Is Carmelo Anthony a Better Scorer Than Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant? Analyzing 39YO NBA Veteran’s Bold Claim
Follow Us
Carmelo Anthony was undoubtedly one of the best scorers in NBA history. But was he better than NBA giants like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant? While some may find this to be a controversial opinion, Raymond Felton believes otherwise.
Appearing on the ‘Run Your Race’ podcast, the 39-year-old stated, “The way he (Melo) can score, how easy it is for him is, I don’t know nobody who’s better… I’m talking about Tracy McGrady… MJ… Kobe, LeBron, all these guys. Like, the way he used to score at every level… Nobody was better.”
Carmelo Anthony vs LeBron, MJ, Kobe, and KD: Do the stats lie?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Carmelo Anthony retired as the ninth-leading scorer in NBA history, so the overall stat-line comparison may not be in his favor. Melo averaged 22.5 points per game (ppg) throughout his career, with a total of 28,289 points, which is a decently impressive figure. But it pales in comparison to the likes of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant.
MJ averaged 30.1 ppg with a total of 32,292 points throughout his career. The Black Mamba averaged 25.0 ppg with a total of 33,643 points. LeBron has averaged 27.1 ppg with the highest ever in NBA history total points of 40,376. And KD has averaged 27.3 ppg with a total of 28,836 points. However, Melo has a higher 3-point percentage than all the players above except for Durant.
Trending
Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers
April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT
Bronny’s Suffering Doesn’t Affect Brother Bryce as LeBron James’ Younger Son Sees Stability Financially
April 28, 2024 02:24 PM EDT
Lakers Advised To Terminate LeBron James’ $99 Million Contract, a Move That Could Save His Legacy
April 28, 2024 06:14 AM EDT
Nike EYBL: Emotional Kiyan Anthony Talks About Father Carmelo While Bryce James Hails 17YO Brodie
April 28, 2024 04:08 PM EDT
LeBron James Raids Wife Savannah’s Wardrobe For Game 4 Win, Leaving 35YO Stylist “Weak”
April 28, 2024 07:16 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“Would Have Run Me out the Game”: When Michael Jordan Torched Carmelo Anthony With His “One Defense Mechanism” to Trash Talk
Considering all parameters, Melo could still be hailed as the best purest scorer in the New York Knicks’ history. So, for some, Raymond Felton’s claims should hold some value considering Melo’s scoring abilities highlighted by him.
Deep dive into Felton’s claims and where Carmelo Anthony stands
Felton, moreover, claims Anthony to be a superior scorer than Michael Jordan, LeBron, Kobe, McGrady, and KD not because of the statistical point of view but Melo’s abilities. He considers the ex-Denver Nuggets star to be the best from all levels.
“Post up, got footwork, midrange is impeccable. Shoot the three. Athletic, good dunk on. Can get to the basket. Handles like a point guard… I’m just saying everything. Like, whatever you want it… He can do it,” Felton stated. He further mentioned that he is putting Anthony above Durant because he has seen Melo score from anywhere on the court, which, according to him, is not the case with KD.
Raymond Felton believes Carmelo Anthony is a better scorer than LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Michael Jordan
“The way he used to score at every level, I don’t know anyone better.”
(🎥 @TidalLeague / h/t @NBA_NewYork )
pic.twitter.com/jlt8e0e1OM— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 9, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
During his career, Anthony made 1,731 3-pointers and shot 35.5 percent from beyond the arc. The 3-pointer was one of the most effective pieces of arsenal in Melo’s dominant offensive gameplay. However, he also dominated the mid-range area with his pull-up jumpers, step-back jumpers, and fadeaway jumpers. He scored well from the free-throw line area as well.
The claims made by Raymond Felton are still debatable as they put the ex-Nuggets’ star against some of the all-time greats of the NBA. However, it cannot be denied that sole comparison based on career stat-line does no justice to Carmelo Anthony’s abilities as a pure scorer.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What is your take on this entire issue? Do you think Carmelo Anthony was a better scorer than Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Durant? Which player do you think is the best pure scorer ever in NBA history? Let us know your views in the comments.
Carmelo Anthony Was Not the First Michael Jordan Brand Athlete Despite Proud Claim, as Per Resurfaced Reports
Edited by:
Jayant Chhabra