Carmelo Anthony faced scrutiny during his debut as an NBC analyst for the NBA on October 21, 2025. The highly anticipated return of the NBA on NBC was marked by mixed reactions to Anthony’s casual attire. While his colleagues, including Maria Taylor, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter, donned professional suits, Anthony wore a black quarter-zip sweatshirt and sunglasses, which drew criticism from fans online.
Carmelo Anthony’s NBC Debut
During the pregame show for the season opener between the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder, NBA fans expressed their disappointment over Anthony’s outfit. Many took to social media, humorously mocking his choice of clothing. Comments included remarks about his casual look being more suited for a podcast than a professional TV presentation.
Fans React to Outfit Criticism
- “Carmelo Anthony can’t class it up with appropriate attire for the TV presentation?!”
- “Carmelo thought this was a podcast. He’s on the NBC set with a quarter zip!”
- “Carmelo out there looking like he’s still playing in that zip-up jacket while everyone else got suits on.”
The night also featured a historic matchup, with the Oklahoma City Thunder narrowly defeating the Houston Rockets 125-124 in double overtime.
New Era for NBA on NBC
This season marks a significant shift for NBC, which re-acquired media rights for NBA coverage. The network aims to recapture the excitement of the ’90s with a nostalgic presentation style. In May, NBC recruited Anthony along with other basketball stars, including Reggie Miller and Jamal Crawford, to enhance their analyst roster.
Anthony’s Perspective and Commitment
In a statement, Anthony expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting how growing up watching the NBA on NBC influenced his love for basketball. He emphasized his commitment to using his platform to offer a fresh perspective on the game. NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood praised Anthony’s expertise, noting his impressive background as a Hall of Famer and Olympic champion.
As the NBA season progresses, fans will be watching not only the games but also closely observing Anthony’s fashion choices on air. This debut marked the beginning of a new chapter for both Anthony and NBC’s NBA coverage.
