When the Class of 2025 Hall of Fame was announced, two names immediately stole the headlines: Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard.
For some fans, the news sparked joy. For others, it sparked controversy. The Hall of Fame is sacred basketball ground, and every year the same debate re-emerges: Who really deserves to get in — and who should’ve waited?
Let’s break it down.
Who Could’ve Been in Before Them?
Critics argue that other legends may have deserved the spotlight first. Players like Chauncey Billups, the 2004 Finals MVP and one of the game’s most clutch point guards, are still waiting. Then there’s Chris Webber, who finally got his recognition but many say his impact was equal to or greater than Melo’s in terms of changing the game at his position. Even Shawn Kemp and Tim Hardaway’s dominance draws comparisons — Parker’s four titles versus Melo’s zero rings.
Dwight also has detractors. His years in Orlando were dominant, but his decline after leaving the Magic makes fans question whether his career had enough consistency compared to someone like Dikembe Mutombo or even Chauncy Billups who has been more versatile.
But here’s the truth: Melo and Dwight both cleared the bar of greatness long ago.
Carmelo Anthony’s Case
Carmelo Anthony isn’t just a scorer — he’s one of the purest bucket-getters basketball has ever seen.
- 10th all-time in points (28,289)
- 10-time All-Star
- 6-time All-NBA selection
- 3 Olympic Gold Medals (2008, 2012, 2016)
- 2003 NCAA Champion with Syracuse
Melo defined an era of mid-range mastery. Before analytics shifted the game to threes and layups, Anthony was feasting from the elbow, hitting fadeaways, bullying smaller defenders in the post, and torching bigger ones with his first step.
Did he win a championship? No. But basketball greatness isn’t always measured by rings. Charles Barkley, Allen Iverson, and Reggie Miller are all in the Hall of Fame without a title — and Melo belongs right beside them.
Most importantly, Melo represented basketball culture. The braids, the hoodie workouts, the Olympic dominance. He wasn’t just a player — he was an icon.
Dwight Howard’s Case
Dwight Howard might be one of the most underrated legends of this generation.
- 3× Defensive Player of the Year (2009–2011)
- 8-time All-Star
- 8-time All-NBA selection
- 5× Rebounding Champion
- 2× Blocks Leader
- 2020 NBA Champion with the Lakers
- 10th all-time in rebounds (14,627)
- 13th all-time in blocks (2,228)
At his peak in Orlando, Dwight was the most dominant big man in basketball. He dragged the Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals by single-handedly shutting down the paint and overpowering everyone in his path. For years, he was the face of defense in the NBA, the perfect bridge between the Shaq era and the rise of modern bigs like Embiid and Jokic.
Sure, his career after Orlando was rocky. Injuries, locker room drama, and role-player years in Atlanta, Houston, and Charlotte dimmed his legacy. But when you look at the resume, Dwight’s peak was Hall of Fame worthy alone. Add in the Lakers’ 2020 bubble ring where he played a crucial role, and the case is closed.
Why They Deserve It Before Others
Here’s the thing: the Hall of Fame isn’t just about championships or longevity. It’s about impact.
- Melo inspired a generation of scorers — from Jayson Tatum to Kevin Durant, players modeled their offensive game after him.
- Dwight was the last truly dominant defensive big man before the league shifted to pace-and-space.
Yes, some stars may have been “waiting” — but when you stack resumes, Anthony and Howard both have a more decorated list of achievements than many of their peers.
Basketball history can’t be told without Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard. That’s the true test of Hall of Fame worthiness.
