If you were watching the NBA back in the mid-2000s, you remember the "Melo" era. That signature headband. The jab-step that made defenders look silly. The pure, unadulterated scoring. But then, things got quiet. One minute he was the centerpiece of the New York Knicks, and the next, he was bouncing around from Oklahoma City to Houston, and eventually to Portland and Los Angeles.
Honestly, for a second there, people thought he was just going to fade away. They were wrong.
What Happened to Carmelo Anthony?
He didn't just retire; he transitioned. Carmelo Anthony officially hung up the sneakers in May 2023. It wasn't a sudden "injury and out" situation. It was a deliberate choice. He finished his career as the 10th all-time leading scorer in NBA history with 28,289 points. That’s a lot of buckets.
But what happened to Carmelo Anthony after the final buzzer is actually more interesting than his final season with the Lakers. By late 2025 and moving into 2026, Melo didn't just stay home and count his money. He became a media mogul and a corporate shark. He didn't want to be "just a retired athlete." He wanted to be a voice.
The Hall of Fame and the NBC Renaissance
2025 was basically the year of Melo. First, he was officially enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He didn't just go in as an individual; he was also honored as part of the legendary 2008 "Redeem Team."
Then came the big pivot. In May 2025, NBC Sports announced that Carmelo would join their team as a lead studio analyst for the 2025-26 NBA season. This wasn't some minor guest spot. He’s a regular on the "NBA on NBC" and Peacock, often sharing the desk with guys like Jamal Crawford and Vince Carter. If you’ve watched him lately, he’s loose. He’s funny. He’s actually giving "real" takes, like his recent viral critique of OG Anunoby’s consistency.
He’s even coaching now. Well, sort of. For the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, Melo was named an honorary head coach for the Rising Stars Game. He’s literally mentoring the next generation—guys like Cooper Flagg—while wearing a suit instead of a jersey.
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The 7PM in Brooklyn Empire
If you haven't heard of 7PM in Brooklyn, you’re missing out. It’s his podcast, produced by his company, Creative 7. It’s not your typical "two guys and a mic" setup. It’s a high-production cultural hub.
Melo sits there with The Kid Mero and Kazeem Famuyide and just talks. No PR filters. No corporate script. One week he’s discussing his old beefs, and the next, he’s interviewing Timothée Chalamet about the Knicks. It’s become a mandatory stop for anyone in the intersection of basketball and hip-hop.
It’s working because he’s finally vulnerable. For years, Melo was seen as this stoic, sometimes "difficult" superstar. Now? He’s the "Unc" of the league. He’s sharing the stories about the 2006 Nuggets-Knicks brawl and what it’s like to see his son, Kiyan Anthony, follow his footsteps to Syracuse.
Business Beyond the Court
Melo’s bank account isn't just surviving; it’s thriving. He’s become a "silent mogul." Here’s a quick look at where his focus is in 2026:
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- Cannabis: He launched the "Hall of Flame" line in collaboration with Skyworld, an indigenous-owned cultivator. He’s not just a face for the brand; he’s actually involved in the product side.
- Wine: His label, VII(N) The Seventh Estate, is actually respected by sommeliers. It’s not just "celebrity juice." His Châteauneuf-du-Pape, "Oath of Fidelity," is a legitimate contender in the market.
- Venture Capital: Through Melo7 Tech Partners, he was an early investor in companies like Lyft, SeatGeek, and DraftKings. He’s playing the long game.
The Legacy of the 15 and 7
People used to argue about whether Melo was a "winner" because he didn't get that elusive NBA championship ring. But look at him now. He’s a 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist. He’s a Hall of Famer. He’s a father watching his son dominate at his alma mater.
He didn't "disappear." He evolved. Most players lose their identity when the cheering stops, but Carmelo Anthony seems to have finally found his. He’s more influential now as a commentator and businessman than he was during those last few years as a role player.
The "what happened" isn't a tragedy. It’s a masterclass in how to leave a game on your own terms and build something bigger than a jump shot.
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Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to keep up with the latest from Melo, your best bet is to catch the 7PM in Brooklyn episodes every Monday on YouTube or Spotify. You can also catch him live on Tuesday and Sunday nights as part of the NBC Sports NBA coverage. If you're looking to dive into his business side, check out the "STAYME7O" lifestyle brand for his latest apparel drops.