Is Carmelo Anthony’s scoring IQ truly on par with Kobe Bryant, or even better than MJ and LeBron? Raymond Felton just made some waves with his bold take on Melo’s offensive genius as he enters the Hall of Fame. You won’t believe who he ranked Carmelo above! What do you think of this hot take?
Carmelo Anthony’s impending induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame has sparked renewed discussion about his illustrious career, particularly his unparalleled scoring prowess. Amidst these reflections, former NBA point guard Raymond Felton has offered a compelling and somewhat controversial assessment, drawing direct parallels between Anthony’s offensive intellect and that of the late, legendary Kobe Bryant. This comparison elevates the conversation beyond mere statistics, focusing instead on the nuanced art of scoring.
Anthony, a nine-time All-Star and the 2013 NBA scoring champion, sits comfortably at ninth on the all-time scoring list, a testament to his consistent ability to put the ball in the hoop. While many players have accumulated more points or boast higher career averages, Felton argues that Anthony possessed a unique scoring IQ, a cerebral approach to offense that few others in league history could match. This discernment, according to Felton, is what truly sets Melo apart in the pantheon of basketball legends.
Felton, who shared the court with Anthony as a New York Knick, specifically highlighted Anthony and Bryant as the only two players he encountered capable of scoring against any type of defender, regardless of their defensive scheme or individual skill. On SiriusXM NBA Radio, Felton stated, “I would put him on the levels with somebody like Kobe Bryant. I never played with Kobe… but just the level of IQ, of knowing how to score…” This insight underscores a profound respect for Anthony’s ability to decipher and exploit defensive weaknesses.
The comparison to Kobe Bryant, often regarded as one of the most skilled offensive players ever, is a monumental tribute to Carmelo Anthony’s game. While Bryant’s career was marked by more team and individual accolades, Anthony consistently delivered clutch performances and racked up points with a similar methodical precision. Both players exhibited a profound understanding of offensive spacing, footwork, and shot creation, enabling them to dominate from virtually anywhere on the court.
Felton’s praise didn’t stop at Bryant. In a bold declaration that might send shockwaves through the basketball community, he suggested Anthony’s scoring ability might even surpass that of figures like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Tracy McGrady in terms of sheer versatility and tactical brilliance. “I don’t know nobody who’s better, imma be honest with you. I’m talking about Tracy McGrady, I’m talking about MJ, I’m talking about Kobe, LeBron, all these guys. Like, the way he used to score at every level…” Felton asserted.
This perspective directly challenges conventional statistical analyses, where players like Jordan (30 PPG), James (27 PPG), and Bryant (25 PPG) boast higher career scoring averages compared to Anthony’s 22 PPG. Felton, however, is not looking at raw numbers but rather the method of scoring. His assessment hinges on Anthony’s unparalleled offensive versatility and his holistic understanding of how to generate points.
Felton elucidated Anthony’s diverse offensive arsenal: “From all levels, post-up, got footwork, mid-range is impeccable, shoot the three, athletic, can dunk on you, can get to the basket, handles like a point guard… whatever you want, he can give it to you.” This vivid description paints a picture of a player who mastered every facet of offensive basketball, making him an exceptionally difficult cover and, in Felton’s eyes, one of the game’s true all-time scorers. As Anthony prepares to cement his legacy in the Hall of Fame, this debate continues to highlight the subjective yet passionate discussions surrounding the greatest players in NBA history.
