Carmelo Anthony’s Surprising New Role at NBC Sports—What This Means for the NBA’s Return

It’s been more than twenty years since NBC last held the reins on NBA broadcasts, and now—finally—the network is gearing up for a revival, welcoming the league back with open arms and a fresh, dynamic voice to boot. Enter Carmelo Anthony: not just a towering figure on the court but soon to be a fixture in the booth. This isn’t just any former player stepping into a commentator role—Melo’s a 10-time All-Star, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, and a freshly minted member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. His arrival signals more than just star power; it’s a chance to get inside the game’s heartbeat—its strategies, its nuances, its unspoken layers—and hear it all from a man who lived it. Announced during NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage, Melo expressed genuine excitement about rejoining the team spirit, aiming to break down the “game within the game.” After nearly two decades of pro ball, with legendary stops in Denver and New York, his understanding of basketball’s intricate dance is unmatched. Retiring just a couple of years ago, Carmelo is embarking on a new chapter that promises to bring unprecedented insight and passion to how we watch and understand the NBA. LEARN MORE

He retired in 2022, and was elected to the Hall of Fame in the first year that he was eligible.Anthony’s new role was introduced during NBC’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, with the former forward saying that he was excited to be “getting back into a team-oriented” environment.

Anthony spent 19 years in the NBA, building up a decorated career on several different teams, though he is best known for his time with the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks. Anthony also earned three Olympic gold medals and a bronze medal as a member of the U.S. men’s basketball team.Advertisement

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AdvertisementAs NBC prepares to welcome back the NBA for the first time in over two decades, the network is bringing on a decorated player as an analyst. Carmelo Anthony, a 10-time NBA All-Star and a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025, will join NBC Sports’ coverage of the league starting next season, the network announced Saturday.