After a slam dunk career, Carmelo Anthony called a time out.
The athlete will officially retire from the NBA after 19 seasons, he announced to social media May 22.
“I remember the days when I was away,” the 38-year-old said in a video message as he reflected on his career. “Just a ball on the court and a dream of something else.”
“Basketball is my outlet,” the New York City native continued. “My purpose is strong, my communities, the cities I represent with pride and the fans who support me along the way, I will be forever grateful for the people and places because they made me Carmelo Anthony.”
But now, the 10-time NBA All Star—he’s played for the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers among other teams—is ready for a new chapter.
“The time has come for me to say goodbye to the court where I made my name,” he added, “in the game that gave me purpose and pride.”
While Carmelo—who won a national championship at Syracuse University before entering the 2003 NBA draft—noted it was a “bittersweet” moment, he’s excited for the future.