Tonight, one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, Carmelo Anthony, will finally receive the recognition he deserves. The former New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets superstar is set to headline the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame ceremony in Springfield, Massachusetts, and the excitement is palpable. But it’s not just Melo’s fans buzzing—Dwyane Wade, his longtime friend and rival on the court, is equally thrilled, eager to witness Anthony’s crowning moment and celebrate a career defined by brilliance and unforgettable scoring feats.

Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade is set to be one of the two Hall of Fame presenters—alongside Allen Iverson—at Carmelo Anthony’s highly anticipated induction, and like everyone else, he can hardly contain his excitement ahead of this milestone for his friend. If anyone understands how Anthony is feeling right now, it’s Wade. Not only is he a close confidant of the three-time Olympic gold medalist, but just a few years ago, he experienced the same whirlwind of emotions stepping into the Hall of Fame spotlight himself.

This comes on the heels of Dwyane Wade’s own induction into the Hall of Fame in 2023, where he was enshrined alongside legends like Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, and Tony Parker. Taking to Instagram, he shared his excitement with a concise, heartfelt message: “Tonite my brother goes into the HALL!” The post included a striking image of a white cloth engraved with “STAYME7O”, symbolizing Melo’s enduring legacy.

It’s safe to say that the Heat legend is quite thrilled with Melo’s induction into the Hall of Fame. More so, given the amount of history both superstars share. Even though Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony never shared the floor together in the NBA, they have solid links from their time spent together with the U.S.A. national basketball team. To be more specific, them being part of the famous 2008 Beijing Olympics ‘Redeem Team’ that won a gold medal.

It’s not just Carmelo Anthony and the Redeem Team being honored this year. Dwight Howard, the eight-time All-Star and one of the most dominant centers of his generation, is also stepping into the Hall of Fame. From his incredible rookie season with the Orlando Magic to his role in the Lakers’ 2020 championship run, Superman’s drive to win has defined Howard’s career. His induction recognizes not just his stats, but the transformative impact he had on every team he touched.

Now, coming back to Melo and Wade, that national team bond is a huge reason why the former Denver Nuggets superstar has picked him to be a presenter at tonight’s ceremony. However, while the pair shares a special connection that goes beyond basketball, it would’ve been even stronger had Carmelo Anthony not turned down an offer to join Dwyane Wade and Co. in South Florida.

Carmelo Anthony recalls the time he turned down Dwyane Wade and Miami

As Carmelo Anthony heads to etch his name into basketball royalty, it’s only right to explore how different his career would’ve turned out had the 10th-highest scorer in the league’s history chosen another option. Back in the summer of 2006, Melo inked a five-year extension with his beloved Denver Nuggets. However, he could’ve become a free agent and test the waters, which could’ve led him to join forces with none other than Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh at the Miami Heat.

This could’ve helped Miami build a ‘Fantastic Four’ and arguably build one of the most dominant rosters in the history of the league. During a recent chat with Sixers star Paul George on his podcast, ‘Podcast P, ‘ Carmelo Anthony revealed why he turned down this lucrative offer. “Imagine me at 23 years old, 24 years old, being the fourth option on the team when I’m leading my team every single year,” He told the Philadelphia forward.

“Like, I’m finding my way in this league. And you want me to leave that and go be a fourth option? I don’t know how mentally I was going to do that.” The soon-to-be Hall of Famer explained that during that time was at the peak of his powers and did not want to be the fourth option on another roster. Well, you have to respect Melo’s decision, as no superstar would want to relinquish his status as a franchise player, but it’s still hard not to think about what the ‘Fantastic Four’ could’ve achieved had the Nuggets star given his nod.