Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard are headed to the Hall of Fame, and Draymond Green believes both legends have earned every bit of the recognition.
The Golden State Warriors veteran reacted to the announcement on The Draymond Green Show, where he reflected on their careers and what they meant to Team USA and the NBA.
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame revealed that Anthony and Howard are among the nine members of the Class of 2025.
Green emphasized that Anthony’s leadership during international competition left a lasting impression on him.
“This is Team USA. That’s the best basketball team in the world. And Melo was the go-to scorer,” Green said, via HoopsHype.
He recalled a pivotal moment during the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, where Anthony’s voice in a tense team meeting helped shift the tone and restore focus.
“We had a little situation in Brazil… Doc just keeps going on and on… finally, after like two hours, Melo was like: ‘Hey Jerry, we got it. We’re all grown men. Let’s move on now… If this happens again, someone’s going to have to go home,’” Green said, retelling a story involving Jerry Colangelo and Mike Krzyzewski.
Green noted that the forward’s words brought immediate resolution to the meeting, solidifying Anthony’s role as a leader.
Anthony played in four Olympics, winning three golds and one bronze.
Howard, an eight-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, was also highlighted by Green for his dominant prime.
“To see Dwight get his due now, I hope it’s fulfilling for him. Because man, did he earn it. And he deserves to be celebrated,” Green said.
The Warriors forward pointed out that Howard’s career has often been misrepresented by critics, especially after his transition into supporting roles later in his career.
“I think a lot of people have tried to throw dirt on Dwight’s name—like Dwight wasn’t him. And I hate that,” Green said.
Howard, who helped the Lakers win a title in 2020, was the anchor of several 50-win Orlando Magic teams in the late 2000s, including a 2009 NBA Finals appearance.
Green called Howard’s Hall of Fame selection “well-deserved” and expressed satisfaction that his achievements are finally being recognized.
