“It’s about time,” Carmelo Anthony is confident about his Hall of Famer selection. And, now, just days after calling out Jimmy Butler for Miami drama, he found an unexpected supporter in none other than Pat Riley. The Miami Heat president, known for his no-nonsense approach, gave Melo his flowers, making it clear that his place among the legends was never in doubt.

“He’s one of the great players, ever, really,” Pat Riley told the New York Post. “A tough guard. Can shoot. Good size. Athletic. And carried a franchise in Denver for a long time, went to New York. Always a tough cover, so you had to game plan for him every night. And had a great career.”

But what makes Melo truly special in Riley’s eyes? Versatility with consistent quality. “I think from the standpoint of what they call small forwards, he wasn’t just that. He can play small forward, sure. He can play power forward. Back then, we were more positional. He could play the two-guard. Today, he’d be playing 5. That’s just the way the game has grown,” Riley explained. “But he deserves it. I hope he makes it.”

Of course, some critics will always point to the one missing piece—a championship. But Carmelo Anthony’s impact on the game has never been about just one ring. His dominance, scoring prowess, and longevity made his Hall of Fame induction a matter of when, not if.

“It’s about time. For me, like that’s it. It ain’t nothing else in basketball that I can do. That is the pinnacle, that’s the door,” Melo said on his podcast.

Now, as he awaits his official entry among the greats, Melo is fully embracing the moment. “When you think about the Hall of Famers that’s already in there and the way that they open that door to you, that’s a special moment. So I’m embracing it. I’m enjoying it,” he said.

But just because he’s reflecting on his legacy doesn’t mean he’s ignoring the present.

Carmelo Anthony addressed Jimmy Butler-Miami Heat situation

It all started back in January when Miami suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team.” His public comments about wanting a trade only fueled the drama, setting the stage for an ugly split. Following the suspension, the Heat openly entertained trade offers for Butler.

He played just three games before getting hit with another two-game suspension—this time for missing a team flight. Then, on January 27, the situation spiraled further as he walked out of practice, earning himself yet another suspension.

Carmelo Anthony didn’t hold back when addressing the situation on his podcast. “Everybody’s looking at you now like you affect their business. You are a cancer to the business, not to the team. We know you can hoop, we know you can play, but you are affecting… you are a cancer. You don’t want to become a cancer… Now the organization looks embarrassed,” Melo said.

The former Knicks star made it clear—it wasn’t just about basketball anymore. Butler’s actions had damaged both his own reputation and Miami’s standing in the league. “Even though Jimmy’s a vet, you got to have a real conversation with him,” Melo continued. “Are you in or are you out? Let me know, let me know so I can… I’mma work this with you.”

However, Jimmy Butler’s turbulent time with the Miami Heat finally came to an end when he landed with the Golden State Warriors. But his messy exit left a lasting impact on the NBA.