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Anthony: I don’t want to join forces with Zhan Wei at the peak, I don’t want to be the third child for others

11:15pm, 11 June 2025【Basketball】

In the NBA, the choice of players often affects the direction of their careers. Some players choose to join the super team in pursuit of the championship, while others stick to their beliefs throughout their lives. Recently, Anthony revealed his voice in a podcast program, talking about his career choices and why he didn't join forces with James and Wade back then.

In the summer of 2010, fans witnessed the gathering of three superstars, James, Wade and Bosh, in Miami. The formation of the Heat Big Three made the team quickly become a strong contender for the championship. The Heat also became the most powerful team in the league during that period, reaching the finals for four consecutive years and winning the championship for two consecutive years.

Therefore, for many players, joining such a team with a strong lineup is undoubtedly a shortcut to winning the championship. Players like Bathir, Lewis, Miller and others all realized their dreams of the championship at that time. However, Anthony has different ideas about joining the super team.

Anthony said there are two main reasons why he did not choose the Heat. First, he lacks understanding of basketball business operations, which he admits frankly. But more importantly, he desires to have his own things, rather than playing supporting roles on other people's teams. During his time with the Nuggets, Anthony has always been the first core of the team, and he enjoys the feeling of controlling the team and affecting the game. Therefore, Anthony, who is at his peak, does not want to be inferior to the Heat and become the leader, but hopes to build his own career in New York.

Anthony said: "I want to have something that belongs to me. I don't want to go to other teams to play roles like the third leader or just play a supporting role, so I came to New York. If I want to go anywhere, I want to be in that atmosphere because I know what I am pursuing at that point."

In other words, joining the Knicks is more driven by dignity and interests for Anthony. If you join forces with Zhan Wei, you will only be the second leader at most, and even if you win the championship, you will not be a FMVP. Secondly, you can get a bigger contract when you go to New York, while you can only choose to cut your salary at the Heat. After joining the Knicks, Anthony became the team's number one scorer and core player. He used his scoring ability and leadership to lead the team to fight in the Eastern Conference. However, Anthony's career with the Knicks has not been smooth sailing. The team suffered repeated setbacks in the playoffs and failed to meet the expectations of fans. This not only had a certain impact on Anthony's personal reputation, but also made people question his choice.

Nowadays, Anthony's choice not only affects his personal career trajectory, but also has a certain impact on the overall league structure. If he had chosen to join the Heat at that time, perhaps the Heat Big Three would have a higher chance of winning the championship, and his own career would have added more honors and glory. However, Anthony insisted on himself and chose his own path.

In today's NBA league, many players choose to join the super team in pursuit of championships, and Anthony's choice is particularly special. He proved with his actions that as a player, he not only fights for honor, but also works hard for his ideals and beliefs.

Looking back on Anthony's career, people will remember his glorious moments with the Nuggets and will also sigh at his persistence and struggle in the Knicks. Although his choice is controversial, it is this persistence in self-worth that makes him a unique melon.