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LeBron James explained why Carmelo Anthony’s rookie year was better than his: “I’d change that trophy”
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- LeBron James explained why Carmelo Anthony’s rookie year was better than his: “I’d change that trophy”
The 2003 NBA Draft class is widely regarded as one of the best ever, if not the best in history. From top to bottom, the class was stacked with many legendary players – LeBron James , Dwyane Wade , Chris Bosh , and Carmelo Anthony among the most notable.
Aside from them, Kyle Korver , Kirk Hinrich , David West , Josh Howard , Boris Diaw , Leandro Barbosa , Mo Williams, and Kendrick Perkins rounded up the high level of talent the draft class offered.
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However, the most interesting narrative came from the battle between James and Anthony, who had one of the most intense Rookie of the Year races in NBA history. In the end, LBJ ended up winning the award with averages of 20.9 points per game, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists.
Many people didn't agree with the decision, believing that Anthony should have received the award because he averaged more points (21) and rebounds (6.1) than James. With that, Carmelo helped the Denver Nuggets make the playoffs as the eighth seed with a 43-39 record, while LBJ's Cleveland Cavaliers missed the postseason.
Despite winning the award, for James, it doesn't mean much compared to basketball's highest stage.
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LBJ believes Melo had a better year than him
After a memorable race for the best rookie between the two players, they found themselves in a 2004 interview with ESPN, where James was asked who had the better year between him and Anthony. The answer ended up surprising everybody.
"I think he did. I'd change that trophy for a playoff race anytime. You know, for me, I would have loved to play more games. You know, just going out and competing. The playoffs is a whole different atmosphere. I went to his game, his first-ever playoff game in Denver, to show my support, and you can just see the atmosphere. It's a totally different atmosphere than the regular season," James said .
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Although the Nuggets were sent home early in the playoffs, losing in the First Round to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games, the experience certainly helped Anthony going forward. No matter the success you have in the regular season, it doesn't amount to anything if you can't show up in the postseason.
For a rookie, Anthony had a solid series, averaging 15 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists, but struggled with efficiency, shooting 32.8 percent from the field and 18.2 percent from the three-point line.
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Carmelo never cought up to LeBron
In the 2004-05 season, the Nuggets improved their record to 49-33. They returned to the playoffs as the 7th seed, but eventually lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the First Round in five games. On the other side, the Cavaliers missed the playoffs again, with Anthony receiving praise once again for his team's success compared to James.
However, everything changed in the 2005-06 season when the Cavaliers made the playoffs as the fourth seed, reaching the Semi-finals against the Detroit Pistons , where they were one game away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. James dominated and established himself as one of the best players in the league, averaging 30.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists throughout the whole playoffs.
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Anthony's Nuggets ended up as the third seed. Still, they would lose in the First Round once again in a surprising turn of events, this time to the Los Angeles Clippers , winning only one game. After that, the rest is history.
The next season, James led the Cavaliers to the finals, where they lost to the Spurs. However, it was only a matter of time before he reached the mountain top. Fast forward to today, James has four championships and 10 finals appearances. In contrast, Anthony has only one Conference Finals appearance, without any rings to show for it.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Feb 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the Old School section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
