Carmelo Anthony’s debut on NBA on NBC made headlines for more than just basketball talk. The 10-time All-Star’s first appearance as an analyst drew massive attention online, not for what he said, but for what he wore, per Sports Illustrated.
Last Tuesday’s broadcast marked NBC’s highly anticipated return to NBA coverage, pulling in huge ratings and positive reviews from viewers nostalgic for the “Roundball Rock” era. Yet amid the excitement, Anthony became a trending topic after showing up in a quarter-zip pullover and dark shades while his fellow panelists arrived in formal suits.
Fans Roast Carmelo Anthony’s Outfit
Anthony stood out on a panel featuring Maria Taylor, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter, all of whom opted for the traditional on-air look, the New York Post reports. Viewers quickly took notice, flooding X (formerly Twitter) with memes and commentary about his relaxed style.
“I would emphasize him to dress professional, take it seriously,” one user wrote. “If not, I’m sure you can get another former NBA star to take the gig and he can go back to his couch with his comfy swag clothing and be about his day.”
Another fan added, “He dresses like he’s on the way to shootaround. He’s gotta tighten up on live TV.”
The jokes spread fast, but Anthony did not seem bothered. Speaking with veteran NBA insider Marc Stein, the Hall of Famer brushed off the wardrobe criticism and explained why he is not interested in conforming to old broadcast norms.
“I’m going to be me. I’m going to bring me to the screen,” Anthony said. “I just think we get so caught up on the suit and ties and you have to look this way, you have to look that way. Coaches aren’t wearing suits anymore on the sideline. I think the game of basketball and sports in general is just changing. The dynamics are changing. The way people talk the game is changing.”
Anthony Defends His Approach
For Anthony, it is not about fashion, it is about comfort, professionalism, and staying true to who he is. He said he is open to dressing up at times but believes authenticity matters most.
“We’ll have suits on from time to time, we’ll throw them in there,” Anthony said. “But I think it’s just about being comfortable and being professional up there and being presentable and being able to talk the game of basketball.”
His comments echo the broader shift across sports, where the old expectations of suits and ties have faded in favor of individuality. It is the same change that saw NBA coaches abandon formalwear during the pandemic, and Anthony has clearly embraced that evolution.
NBC, which re-acquired NBA broadcast rights for the 2025–26 season, announced in May that Anthony would join its new analyst team alongside Carter, McGrady, Reggie Miller, and Jamal Crawford. The network also added Michael Jordan as a special contributor to celebrate the network’s return to basketball.
“Watching the NBA on NBC growing up shaped my love for the game. Now, I’m thrilled to join the NBC Sports family,” Anthony said in a statement at the time. “I’ve always used my platform to help grow the game, and I’m excited to bring fans a fresh perspective as we usher in a new era of NBA coverage.”
Authenticity Over Appearance
Anthony’s debut outfit might have stood out, but it also symbolized his approach to this new chapter. He is not trying to fit into someone else’s mold, he is redefining what a modern basketball analyst looks like.
While social media debated his wardrobe, Anthony focused on delivering sharp analysis and thoughtful insights. It is the same authenticity that defined his 19-year playing career, now repurposed for a broadcast audience.
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