The Atlanta Hawks, after reaching a $25.5 million buyout with Carmelo Anthony just five days following his acquisition from the Oklahoma City Thunder, shared a picture of the new and unworn jersey they would be sending to the All-Star player in response to his request made back in July.
LeBron James, a friend of Anthony, took the chance to congratulate Anthony for his time in Atlanta. While Anthony’s jersey might not be retired in Philips Arena, it could become a popular choice for fans at events like the Las Vegas Summer League and Coachella, joining jerseys like Andrew Wiggins’s from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Andrew Bynum’s from the Philadelphia 76ers, and this summer, Dwight Howard’s from the Brooklyn Nets.
The Hawks could potentially assemble an impressive lineup of players who never wore the jersey provided to them, including veterans like Antawn Jamison and Gary Payton, as well as traded draft picks like Luka Doncic and Pau Gasol. Not to forget Hall of Famer Julius Erving, who briefly played for the team in preseason before moving to the ABA due to contractual issues.
Time will tell if Anthony’s unique jersey gains popularity among NBA enthusiasts compared to the current Hawks jerseys. The former NBA champion played just one game for the team, scoring 20 points during his brief stint between being acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers and being traded to the Detroit Pistons.
