In the NBA world, few debates fire up fans more than the never-ending “GOAT” discussion and the equally heated question of who belongs on the ultimate all-time starting five. These conversations fuel barbershop arguments and flood social media comment sections, with passionate fans defending their picks like family honor.
But now, Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony has thrown gasoline on the fire. Just hours before his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on September 6, Anthony revealed his personal all-time starting five and, in doing so, left out two names that many consider untouchable.
Why Did Carmelo Anthony Shock the NBA World With His Starting Five Selection?
During a recent interview, Anthony didn’t hesitate when asked for his dream lineup. Without second-guessing, he listed Derrick Rose, Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady, Kevin Garnett, and Shaquille O’Neal.
“Point Guard… I got a chance to play with him. I wish I played like earlier with him in my career with him, Derrick Rose. Shooting Guard… I mean, I played with AI. You know what I mean, so I’ll go with AI. Threes’s… T-Mac… Four’s… I don’t want to say this, but I would say, Garnett. And then at the five. I mean, Shaq is Shaq, man,” said Anthony during the interview.
What would be this team’s record if they got to play an entire year together in their prime? @carmeloanthony pic.twitter.com/BBxpWr10hy
— Fanatics (@Fanatics) September 6, 2025
The reaction online was instant and divided. Many fans in the comment sections expressed confusion and pointed out that any all-time list without LeBron James and Michael Jordan feels incomplete. But if you look closer, Anthony’s picks follow a clear pattern. Each selection represents someone he either played alongside, learned from, or admired deeply.
What Makes Allen Iverson and Derrick Rose So Special to Anthony?
Take Iverson, for example. Anthony and Iverson were teammates on the Denver Nuggets from 2006 to 2008Â and shared the floor for 113 games. Together, they became one of the league’s most dynamic scoring duos, with Iverson mentoring the younger Anthony on mastering the art of the crossover.
“He was the only one I could look up to because I felt like he was the only one who understood my dynamics and what I was dealing with and what I was going through and still have to be someone of elite on a daily basis,” said Anthony about Iverson on his “7PM in Brooklyn” Podcast last year.
Meanwhile, Rose represents another meaningful connection. Anthony and Rose suited up together on the New York Knicks from 2016 to 2017Â and appeared in 62 games as teammates. While injuries unfortunately derailed much of Rose’s prime, the former MVP still carved out an impressive career as he averaged 17.4 points and 5.2 assists per game.
Derrick Rose, Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis.
Media Day 2016📸 pic.twitter.com/10laxynYIZ
— DockNYK (@DockNYK) June 10, 2023
How Did Tracy McGrady Leave Such a Lasting Impression on Anthony?
McGrady, who rounds out Anthony’s backcourt selections, represents greatness Anthony witnessed firsthand. The two faced off in 19 NBA games, with Anthony seeing up close why McGrady was one of the most feared scorers of his generation.
“I played against T-Mac. That was the first time I saw someone score 50 points. Ever. So for me to be a part of that, and I know people are going to be like, ‘Oh McGrady gave Melo 50,’ nah he didn’t give me 50. For me, he was one of my most favorite players to watch,” said Anthony regarding T-Mac once in a conversation with GaryVee.
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Rounding out Anthony’s list are two dominant big men: Garnett and O’Neal. Garnett’s versatile skillset left him with a resume that includes an NBA championship, league MVP honors, and 15 All-Star nods.
Shaq, meanwhile, built a legacy as one of the most unstoppable forces in basketball history. He captured four championships, an MVP, and 15 All-Star appearances. So while Anthony’s list may not align with traditional all-time fives, it’s less about leaving legends out and more about honoring the players who shaped his basketball journey.
