Tracy McGrady Defends Carmelo Anthony’s Case for Rookie of the Year Trastitulares
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and former Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony entered the NBA together in 2003, sparking immediate debate over who was the more impactful rookie. Now, NBA legend Tracy McGrady is weighing in, strongly advocating for Carmelo Anthony to have earned the 2004 Rookie of the Year award.
The discussion centers around the remarkable rookie seasons both players delivered. James, the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaged nearly 21 points, 5.9 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals while shooting 41.7% from the field and 29% from three. Anthony, drafted third overall by the Denver Nuggets, put up 21 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals, shooting 42.6% from the field and 32.2% from three.
Despite James’ impressive stats, the Cavaliers just missed the playoffs in 2004. However, Anthony’s contributions were enough to guide the Nuggets to the playoffs, where they were ultimately eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“[Melo] should have run rookie of the year,” McGrady stated during an appearance on *7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony*. “You should have won that (expletive)– you took your team to the playoffs.”
McGrady highlighted Anthony’s accomplishment, stating, “That is a tremendous accomplishment for a rookie to come in, have that spotlight on him like that, and to get slighted on rookie of the year, I ain’t like that at all.”
The comments, originally shared on Twitter –
“I thought [Melo] should’ve won Rookie of the Year.”
T-Mac believes rookie Melo getting the Nuggets to playoffs gave him the edge over LeBron
pic.twitter.com/08g4IuaD9c— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) July 19, 2025
– reflect a deep respect for Anthony’s impact.
It’s worth noting that James and Anthony would later play together on the Los Angeles Lakers during Anthony’s final NBA season (2021-22).
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Source: Athlon Sports – July 19, 2025.
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