Experience is the best teacher, and who better to learn from than those who have already been through it? Former NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony played 19 seasons in the league. Yet, he rarely hears from anyone in the league who wants to elevate their game. The NY native opined that he hopes this will change soon as OGs like him offer a treasure trove of hoops knowledge that players can benefit from.
Access to valuable information
Communication between players has drastically changed these days. Whereas before players could only talk to one another via phone or whenever they faced one another on the hardcourt, communication channels nowadays are more diverse and accessible. Players can easily connect with social media and other online platforms regardless of location.
However, despite the advent of technology, Melo says many NBA players are not taking advantage. Despite offering players the opportunity to contact him for advice or anything basketball-related, Melo claims only a handful have taken him up on the offer.
"I told you that from the first time I met him, I told him, 'Whatever you need, I got you. Holler,'" Carmelo shared what he told Boston Celtics and fellow Jordan Brand athlete Jayson Tatum.
"I tell a lot of people that. If I tell a hundred people that, probably only five or four people reach out because, like he's saying, they think, 'Oh, I'm too busy,' or 'He's too busy.' Not knowing that we actually want people to reach out," the NBA 75th Anniversary team member added.
Granted, NBA players today have instant access to any information they need. Whether it's stats, analytics, a play, or even a move they want to study and add to their skill set. However, an experienced player's wealth of information is invaluable.
Players like Melo, who have been in the league for almost two decades, have seen it all. They have faced every type of opponent, dealt with various obstacles and challenges, and learned countless lessons. The best part is how willing the six-time All-NBA team member is to share his knowledge and experience with the younger generation.
"We want to see, 'Oh sh*t, JT hit me. All right, bet. Cool, boom boom. So-and-so hit me. All right, bet.' It gives me the initiative, like, 'Okay, he's making an effort. Let's kick this off,'" the forward remarked.
Related: Kobe Bryant's former bodyguard compared working for him and other NBA stars: "Kobe was a sit outside-the-gate person"
Don't be afraid to reach out
JT once shared that one of his biggest regrets was not following up on Kobe Bryant's offer to work together a little more. After Bean passed away in 2020, he later realized how precious those opportunities were. Melo later emphasized that it all tied in with the message he wanted to push to NBA hoopers today: the vets are here to lend a hand if any of them need it.
"We want to get to the work. Everything else will come along with it. But to his point, nobody follows up," the Syracuse legend quipped. "The moral of the story is, to all y'all young cats out there, listen: holler. Don't be afraid. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and text."
Navigating an NBA career can be tricky, especially for young players who are still learning the league's ins and outs. But Carmelo and other veterans are always ready to offer guidance and advice to those who need it. Their experiences on and off the court make them valuable resources for up-and-coming stars.
Related: "You can't run. You can't hide. It was dope" - Carmelo Anthony on how everything was magnified in the "Orlando Bubble"
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