"Why your favorite player ain't Michael Jordan?" - Carmelo Anthony on catching heat for idolizing Bernard King and Vince Carter

Paul George appeared on the latest episode of Carmelo Anthony's podcast, so the retired hoops legend brought along his son, Kiyan. The younger Anthony is known as an avid fan of the Philadelphia 76ers star and once picked PG as the greatest player of all time (GOAT).

The discussion led to an exposition between the former teammates, noting how people can get criticized for having an unconventional pick for the best NBA player ever. Melo also shared that he did not understand why he caught heat for idolizing players not named Michael Jordan.

"Coming up, my favorite player was Bernard King," the elder Anthony said . "I'm an 80s baby, man. ... And then as I got older, Vince Carter was my favorite player — 15, headband, hence why. I used to catch heat, though. 'Why you like Bernard King? Yo, why your favorite player ain't Michael Jordan?'

"I never understood why, and I'm just like, 'Yo, if this is who inspired me, this is who inspired me. I don't have to go with the consensus.'"

Melo echoed P's statement

The 10-time All-Star's revelation stems from George being humbled by the fact that there are players from the younger generation who put him on a pedestal. While the former No. 10 pick admits he doesn't see himself in the GOAT conversation, he also appears to dislike it when he and the youngsters, including Kiyan, catch heat for their beliefs.

"I know he was getting heat for like, 'PG your GOAT?'" George said . "And I'm getting heat like, 'Damn. I'm nowhere close to the GOAT.' ... But from an inspiring and impact standpoint, it's humbling, bro. There ain't no other way to cut it."

Unfortunately, whenever the topic of the best player of all time comes up, there will always be a divergence of opinions. While Jordan is regarded by many as the undisputed GOAT, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant also have strong cases for receiving that distinction.

In a perfect world, folks respect each other's opinions or preferences. However, that is not the case, and the younger Anthony will have to learn to live with enduring criticisms because George is his favorite player. His father certainly learned to deal with it.

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Melo looked up to King and Carter

Still, who can fault the elder Anthony for holding King and Carter in high regard?

After all, "The King" was one of the most underrated stars of his era. The former New York Knicks star was an unstoppable and efficient scorer who would probably be more esteemed today had he not suffered devastating injuries during the peak of his career. Even so, Carmelo said his fellow Knicks icon was a significant part of his basketball development .

Interestingly, Melo shifted to idolizing Carter in his teenage years. But those who got to watch the Toronto Raptors legend would understand why the elder Anthony held that sentiment. There were only a few players who were as talented and entertaining as "Vinsanity" during his era.

King and VC may not have been as great as Jordan, but it didn't seem to matter for Carmelo.

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