Carmelo Anthony has chosen to re-sign with the Portland Trail Blazers this offseason, which has led many to speak about what number he'll be wearing. As he prepares for his second season at Rip City, Anthony shared his thoughts on potentially wearing the No. 7 jersey in Portland, per KGW TV's Orlando Sanchez.
"If Portland gives me number 7, I'll be happy. I'll be thrilled. We need a petition for that. I need number 7"
Carmelo Anthony on wanting to wear No. 7 with the Trail Blazers#RipCity | @carmeloanthony
Also, @jwquick was on fire in this presser. Master of his craft pic.twitter.com/UJIhHnM3bN
— Orlando Sanchez (@orlandokgw) December 4, 2020
Throughout his impressive career, dating back to his high school days, Anthony has worn just three numbers, No. 15, No. 22. and No. 7. The 10-time All-Star wore No. 22 in high school and wore No. 15 during his time with the Denver Nuggets.
After eight seasons with the Nuggets, Anthony chose to join the New York Knicks, changing his number to No. 7. According to ESPN's Ian Begley, choosing No. 7 in New York was as simple as subtracting his two previous numbers. Also, it was revealed that his son, Kiyan, was born on March 7.
However, when Anthony joined the Blazers, instead of sporting the usual No. 15 or No. 7, he elected to wear double-zeros. While Anthony would've liked to get the No. 7 jersey, Portland has been holding onto the number in Brandon Roy's honor, per the Washington Post's Michael Lee when Anthony originally signed with Portland.
Carmelo Anthony will wear No. 00 for POR because No. 7 is being held in honor of Brandon Roy; No. 15 (his Denver/Syracuse #) is retired for Larry Steele & No. 22 (Oak Hill #) is retired for HOFer Clyde Drexler. Wish he'd gone with 25, to bring them all together. Stay Mel00
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) November 19, 2019
For those that do not know, Roy is considered a legend in Portland's franchise history after making three All-Star appearances and two All-NBA nods with the team. Sadly, injuries caused him to have a short career as he played just five seasons with the Blazers before ending his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012-2013.
It is apparent that Carmelo Anthony is going to have a new role with Portland in the upcoming season, so the veteran forward would certainly love to be sporting a familiar number as he moves forward in his career.