Dwyane Wade’s faith in Luka Doncic is raising hard questions about the credibility of Carmelo Anthony’s claims. The former New York Knicks star had earlier raised suspicions around the value that Luka Doncic holds in the league. The recent chants of “fire Nico [Harrison]” should’ve made it clear to some extent. However, Melo seemed to have completely disregarded that factor in his claims against not just Luka but other international players, too. However, D-Wade has kept Doncic on a pedestal so high that he seems vital in an ambition involving billions of dollars.
Heading towards Melo’s exact claim… Anthony said, “Wemby can’t be the face of the NBA because he’s not from America… Luka can’t be the face. Giannis can’t be the face. Shai can’t be the face…” But D-Wade? He stands completely opposed to Melo’s opinion without even mentioning it during his take on the Dwyane Wade podcast.
“You’re talking about a league now that’s rumors has it that we’re possibly going to expand in Europe, that we’re taking this league and we’re going international. About 10 teams,” Wade said. Well, as per the reports, the minimum number of teams will have to be 8 for approximately $500 each, which would make European expansion cost at least $4 billion. And how does Luka Doncic matter in this?
“Look who the faces of our league is. International players… And so it was a big move for the league that Luka Doncic got gifted to the Lakers…” Wade explained how the Slovenian basketball star could help with the business of the league now that he’s on one of the flashiest franchises of the league. Well, there is no denying how popular as well as skilled Doncic is.
There’s something about watching him that just feels different. He’ll pull off a 40-point triple-double like it’s just another night at the office. And then he could turn around and drain a game-winner like he’s got ice running through his veins. It’s not just skill—it’s the way he blends jaw-dropping moments with consistent greatness. That kind of magic? It’s exactly what turns a basketball star into a global phenomenon. However, in proving his point, Dwyane Wade completely contradicted Carmelo Anthony’s chain of thought. However, the ex-Knicks star did have his own picks for the face of the league.
With LeBron James inching closer to the end of his illustrious career, the NBA world is buzzing with one burning question: Who’s next? Who will become the face of the league once the Los Angeles Lakers icon finally hangs up his jersey? Some fans believe the next torchbearer needs to be homegrown. And interestingly, Carmelo Anthony seems to agree.
Now, in a league that has embraced global talent like never before, that might sound like an outdated take. But when Melo recently sat down on his 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast, he didn’t shy away from voicing his thoughts. According to him, the next face of the NBA should come from American soil.
He was pretty clear on who he doesn’t see taking that title. International sensations like Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo? Count them out, as far as Melo is concerned. “Ant, Ja, these are the faces. Zion was suppose to be a face of this NBA,” he said.
Clearly, both Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony stand opposed. Wade, a fellow 2003 draft legend alongside Melo, sees the NBA’s future in global stars like Luka, especially with the league’s big European plans. But Melo’s betting on homegrown talent to keep the NBA’s heart beating in the U.S. Now it’s to be seen which NBA legend stands right in his prediction for the next face of the league.
