Syracuse Basketball: Admiration for Carmelo Anthony social justice efforts

Former Syracuse basketball star Carmelo Anthony, who led the Orange to its only national title in 2003, is making a major impact through a variety of social justice initiatives. And the NBA has taken notice.

The NBA recently announced in a press release that Anthony is one of five finalists for the inaugural Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award.

"This prestigious new honor, per the media statement, “recognizes a current NBA player for pursuing social justice and advancing Abdul-Jabbar’s life mission to engage, empower and drive equality for individuals and groups who have been historically marginalized or systemically disadvantaged.”"

Abdul-Jabbar, one of the greatest NBA players ever, is a six-time champion and also a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Hopefully, down the road, Anthony will join Abdul-Jabbar in the Hall of Fame.

Former Syracuse basketball legend Carmelo Anthony is up for a major award from the NBA.

Besides the Portland Trail Blazers’ Anthony, the other finalists for this honor are Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes, Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris, Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday and Golden State Warriors forward Juan Toscano-Anderson. The winner will get unveiled prior to Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals on TNT.

The NBA’s announcement provides a variety of details about the efforts of Anthony and the other finalists. More than 15 years ago, he launched the Carmelo Anthony Foundation “as a vehicle for actionable change and social reform through a variety of outreach programs and disaster relief initiatives.”

Last year, Anthony served as the guest editor-in-chief of Slam Magazine’s special issue on social justice. He also helped to establish the Social Change Fund.

Presently, Anthony is on the board of the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, an organization that is leading the NBA’s efforts to advance equality and social justice, according to a separate press release.

Additionally, this past spring Anthony announced the formation of Creative 7, his multi-platform content company that is developing numerous projects “that speak to the evolution of the human spirit through adversity, social activism and compelling, entertainment-forward storytelling.”

Anthony, a prolific-scoring forward and NBA All-Star on 10 occasions, in early May entered the top 10 on the league’s all-time scoring list. He is beloved by Orange fanatics for what he accomplished on the Hill in just one season.