In the realm of professional sports, the passage of time affects all athletes, leading to interesting interactions between younger and older players. Carmelo Anthony and Rudy Gay engaged in a discussion about this dynamic during their recent appearance on the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, with Anthony recalling a particular incident he experienced while playing against Michael Porter Jr. of the Denver Nuggets.
During a game, Anthony described a moment where he posted up against Porter. "Michael Porter is guarding me," Anthony recounted. "I catch him on like the right elbow and just like catch it, post, quick jab, go left and lay it up. He like, 'damn Unc, I ain't know you still had that.'" This playful exchange highlighted the contrasts between the current generation of NBA players and seasoned veterans, with Porter expressing surprise at Anthony's continued skill level.
The matchup against the Nuggets held additional significance for Anthony, considering his long-standing history with the franchise. He noted that this acknowledgment from Porter motivated him to further assert himself on the court. Anthony's impressive accolades, including a scoring title, ten All-Star Game selections, and a spot on the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, illustrate his legacy as one of the top players of his era. While the ability to consistently dominate may have waned in the latter stages of his career, the exchange with Porter underscores a respect that current players have for the established stars of the game.