“How do you attack a kid”: NBA icon Paul George discussed backlash after being called “GOAT” by Carmelo Anthony’s son Kiyan Anthony
Carmelo Anthony's son Kiyan Anthony mentioned that he draws inspiration from Paul George. Kiyan once said on a podcast that the nine-time All-Star is his favorite NBA player and even considered him the 'GOAT'.
Appearing on the '7PM in Brooklyn' podcast on July 30, George discussed the flak they received after Kiyan's remarks.
"At the end of the day, I just wanna hoop. Me having a touch to the younger generation, obviously it's humbling, it's an honor that they connect with me on that level," George said. "And I don't know if I think I talked to him [Kiyan] or sent him a message cause I know he was getting heat for like, PG your GOAT, but I'm getting heat like damn, like I'm nowhere close to the GOAT.
Like, I get it. I'm not close to the goat. I'm not the goat. But from an inspiring and an impact standpoint, like it's, it's humbling, bro ... Obviously for them to attack him [Kiyan Anthony] for like why is he your GOAT? How you attack a kid? That's who he enjoy watching."
In February 2024, Kiyan Anthony and his mom, La La Anthony appeared on an episode of Complex’s GOAT Talk. When Kiyan was asked about his greatest basketball player, he answered right away
"My GOAT is Paul George," Kiyan said. “PG is the best player ever. Kobe, Paul George…Carmelo Anthony ... He don’t even gotta be talked about though."
Carmelo explains why some people consider Paul George the GOAT
Former Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony said he understands why Paul George is popular among the young generation of talents. It all comes down to his smooth style of play, which young players are fans of and try to imitate
"It's a flow and it's a pace, let me say that," Carmelo said [via 7PM in Brooklyn]. "PG's got a different pace than a lot of people. He's got his own pace and you're not gonna speed him up, right, and he makes it look effortless ...
"He look like he ain't working hard… some guys had to work hard as (expletive) to get to this spot. He's coming off smooth..."
In addition to his numerous All-Star appearances, George has been named to the All-NBA Team six times and has been selected for the NBA All-Defensive Team four times. Interestingly though, much like Carmelo Anthony, Paul George has never won an NBA Championship.