Amid a weekend of celebrations at the Basketball Hall of Fame, the emotional highlight for NBA legend Carmelo Anthony came not from the court, but from his family.
On Friday night, his 18-year-old son, Kiyan Anthony, currently committed to playing at Syracuse University, wearing the No. 7 jersey his dad made iconic, stepped onto the Hall of Fame stage to present his father with his Hall of Fame orange jacket and ring, a moment that radiated pride, legacy, and love.
As the current generation honors the past, this act was encapsulated as Kiyan, the top high school recruit and Jordan Brand Classic MVP, honored his father’s storied career in a deeply personal way.
the moment he worked tirelessly for 👏 pic.twitter.com/GBXNFXfEVl
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) September 6, 2025
“Long time waiting, definitely long time preparing for it… I can’t wait till tomorrow to hear the speech… Great color jacket… it fit him perfectly too,” Kiyan said in a video posted on the NBA’s Instagram account.
Carmelo’s journey spans college stardom to Olympic glory and NBA scoring legend. A 10-time All-Star, former NCAA champion with Syracuse, and a member of Team USA’s Redeem Team, Melo’s accolades are numerous. Though an NBA title eluded him, his impact both on and off the court is undeniable.
Now immortalized in the Hall, he returns not just as a player but as a father with legacy trailing behind—and in front—of him.
The portraits go crazy 😎 https://t.co/VAY4uiVWWx pic.twitter.com/LCYJGzpPVu
— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) September 6, 2025
For Carmelo, the honor was sweeter with Kiyan by his side. “Yo Pops, you’ve been a Hall of Famer to me my whole life,” Kiyan wrote in a video posted on Instagram.
That orange jacket isn’t just a Hall of Fame emblem; it’s a generation-defining family heirloom, symbolizing years of hard work, visibility, mentorship, and now, continuation.
The official Hall of Fame induction ceremony is set for today at 4 p.m. PT on NBA TV.
Photo Credit: NBA
