Chauncey Billups Urges Nuggets to Honor Carmelo Anthony with Jersey Retirement

Chauncey Billups Urges Nuggets to Honor Carmelo Anthony with Jersey Retirement

In a heartfelt appeal that’s reigniting debate across the NBA community, former Denver Nuggets All-Star and Hall of Fame inductee Chauncey Billups has publicly called on the franchise to retire Carmelo Anthony’s No. 15 jersey — a number currently worn by reigning MVP Nikola Jokić.

Speaking with Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Billups didn’t mince words: “They should have retired Melo’s jersey the year after he retired,” he said. “Once he retired, I said, ‘All right, cool. He’s done now. He won’t play another game. It is time.’ And so, to me, it is already too late. That should have been the first order of business in terms of retiring Melo’s jersey just because I know exactly what he meant to the organization”.

Carmelo’s Legacy in Denver

Drafted third overall in the star-studded 2003 NBA Draft, Anthony transformed the Nuggets from a struggling franchise into a perennial playoff contender. Over eight seasons, he averaged 24.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, earning 10 All-Star selections and six All-NBA honors. His impact extended beyond the stat sheet — he revitalized basketball in Denver and became the face of the franchise during a critical rebuilding era.

The Complication: Jokic’s No. 15

The jersey retirement conversation is complicated by the fact that Jokić, arguably the greatest Nugget of all time, also wears No. 15. With three MVPs and a championship to his name, Jokić is a lock for future jersey retirement, raising the question: can a team retire the same number twice?

Precedents exist — the New York Knicks retired No. 15 for both Earl Monroe and Dick McGuire, and the Trail Blazers honored Terry Porter and Bob Gross with No. 30. But Denver has never faced this dilemma before.

Support from Nuggets Brass

Former Nuggets GM Kiki Vandeweghe, who drafted Anthony, echoed Billups’ sentiment: “I absolutely believe he should have his jersey retired in Denver. He is part of Nuggets history. And for a good period of time, he was the best player on the team, led a rebuild and represented the team in a great way”.

What’s Next?

With Anthony entering the Hall of Fame and Denver’s current roster stacked for another title run, the timing may be ripe for reconciliation. Whether the Nuggets choose to retire No. 15 twice or find a creative alternative, the call for honoring Carmelo Anthony’s legacy is growing louder — and harder to ignore.