Imagine a young Carmelo Anthony sitting at the feet of basketball aristocracy, already exceptional but still yearning for more.  Anthony received guidance from Michael Jordan, the man who revolutionized NBA scoring, which helped him reach new heights.  The transfer of the torch from one legend to a future icon was more than just a mentoring relationship; it was a masterclass in excellence.  We are all reminded by Anthony’s trip that even the greatest players may improve by taking advice from the game’s immortals.

Carmelo Anthony had a great collegiate career before hitting a wall in the NBA.  He was having trouble scoring at the professional level until he turned to Michael Jordan, the best tutor.  Jordan taught them how to put points on the board with surgical accuracy during their time together.  His Airness advocated efficiency, angles, and a straightforward plan to average an incredible 28 points per game; forget about glitzy tactics.

Jordan gave some really wise advice: try to score seven points per quarter.  Easy, isn’t it?  After a few free throws, a smooth three-pointer, and a tough layup, you’re on pace.  It was enlightening for Anthony.  All of a sudden, scoring became less mysterious and more like a mathematical problem with an obvious answer.  Did it work, too?  You wager.  In his illustrious career, Anthony went on to hit that 28-point average three times.  What a pupil who aced the test!

Jordan set the groundwork, but Anthony went above and beyond.  Like a sponge, he absorbed information from a constellation of basketball stars.  He learned the art of the pivot from Paul Pierce, who demonstrated how to outsmart opponents with shrewd counters on both sides of the court.  Then there were lessons from people like Ron Mercer, Glenn Robinson, Adrian Dantley, Sam Cassell, and Kiki Vandeweghe, each of whom added a new dimension to his skill set.

The icing on the cake was training with the late, great Kobe Bryant.  Anthony was able to hone the finer points since his footwork was already exquisite by that point.  The outcome?  A ten-time All-Star who earned his stripes as a refined, relentless force.  He was transformed into a full-fledged baller by the mingling of influences from the giants he stood on, which was evident with every dribble and fadeaway.

The tale of Carmelo Anthony serves as a guide for any budding hooper in addition to being inspirational.  Seeking advice from the greatest players in the game is the ultimate power move and is not a sign of weakness.  His career is a testament to the fact that hard work and curiosity can transform potential into legacy.  Greatness isn’t created by one person, thus the following generation should pay attention.  Sometimes a legend is asked a straightforward question.