Dwyane Wade sits down with his close friend, Carmelo Anthony, and they discuss his college journey, his time with the New York Knicks, and his struggles to deal with the end of his playing career. They reflect on Carmelo's surprise draft by the Denver Nuggets, his decision to leave the Knicks for a better situation, and the disappointment he felt not being wanted by teams.
Carmelo Anthony struggled with the end of his playing career and felt undervalued as he went from being an all-star to struggling to make a roster.
In New York, Carmelo Anthony faced challenges and frustrations as he was pushed out by Phil Jackson, but he remained determined to fight for what he deserves.
Moving to New York was a strategic decision for Carmelo Anthony, as he wanted to embrace the city's diversity, provide opportunities for his son, and explore business ventures.
Deep dives
New York Never Was the Place
The end of my career took me back to a time when things were always being taken away from me. Going from being an all-star to struggling to make a nine-man roster was difficult to deal with. I didn't understand why nobody wanted me. I wanted to be a part of the game and contribute to the team in OKC, but I felt like I wasn't being incorporated into the offense. The playoffs were tough and we didn't perform well. At that point, I knew my time in OKC was coming to an end.
Dealing with Being Pushed Out
When I left New York, I didn't leave on my own terms. I got pushed out by Phil Jackson. I struggled to find a team that wanted me, and it was frustrating. However, the support and love from my family helped me deal with the situation. I knew I had worked hard to get to where I was, and I wasn't going to let anyone take that away from me. The experience reminded me of being a kid and always having things taken away from me. But this time, I was determined to fight for what I deserved.
Strategic Move to New York
Moving to New York was a strategic decision for me. I wanted to embrace all that New York had to offer, both on and off the court. I knew that New York would provide me with diverse experiences and opportunities that would help shape my son, Kyan. I wanted him to understand the significance of embracing who he is and the legacy he carries. New York also presented me with business opportunities and connections that I wanted to explore. Despite the challenges, I was grateful for the time I spent in New York and the lessons it taught me.
Difficulties in the Houston Rockets
The podcast episode discusses how the speaker faced challenges and frustrations during his time with the Houston Rockets. Despite being brought in as the missing piece to the team, the speaker was not utilized in a way that suited his playing style. The team's focus on layups and threes limited the speaker's ability to take mid-range shots, which affected his game. The speaker's time in Houston was marked by a lack of communication and understanding between him and the team's management, ultimately leading to his departure from the team.
Facing adversity and personal growth
After leaving the Houston Rockets, the speaker struggled with his mental and emotional well-being. He felt betrayed and questioned his abilities as a player. During this time, he disconnected from the game of basketball, immersing himself in other forms of self-care, such as reading, therapy, and spending time with family. Through introspection and personal growth, the speaker found a renewed sense of purpose and began writing a book. He also found solace and inspiration in working with young players, which helped him regain his confidence and overcome the challenges he faced in his career.
On Part 2 of Episode 5, Dwyane sits down with his close friend, and 10-time NBA All-Star, Carmelo Anthony for an intimate conversation. Melo opens up about why he never believed he would win a National Championship or play in the NBA. They discuss why Melo is still upset about the 2003 Draft, his dramatic time with the Knicks, and Melo's struggles to deal with the end of his incredible playing career.
