Carmelo Anthony calls on NBA to address Darryn Peterson controversy

Carmelo Anthony is calling on the NBA to step in and address what he believes is an issue impacting elite prospect Darryn Peterson, adding his voice to a growing debate about the league’s current development and age structure.

The 10-time NBA All-Star and Hall-of-Famer raised concerns about how the league handles top-tier young talent navigating the transition from high school to the professional ranks. While the NBA’s one-and-done rule has long been a point of contention, Anthony suggested the current system continues to create complications for players like Peterson, who are widely viewed as future lottery picks.

"I don't know the whole situation, but I know DP and I know he's a great, great kid," Anthony said on his latest 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast.  

"Has a hell of a work ethic Now, all of a sudden, we hearing the narrative shift on him. This is what I say. Just let these (players) come out high school. Save a lot of a lot of headaches save a lot of coaches here in college headaches. Now I can start building back my program. Because I aint getting these one and done guys, let these guys come out of high school, man. The league aint getting older. It's getting younger, it's not that big of a gap, no more. So they already getting the bread. They already getting the money they already getting the resources."

Peterson is regarded as one of the top prospects in his class and has drawn national attention for his scoring ability, athleticism and NBA-ready frame. However, the pathway to the league remains rigid. This is due to recent questions about his durability and subbing himself out of games. 

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Anthony sees Peterson's situation as from both sides. The Kansas star is preforming at a high level when he's available, but under the current set of circumstances, what more can he do? 

"For DP's situation, I think, is some of it is he's hurt, right. They preserving him, Anthony added. "You know what I'm It could be reserving himself. That's an overall message within that group. Within whoever his team is. If you're going out there, you putting on the show in 20-25 points and 18 minutes, what else is left to see?" 

Under the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, U.S. players must be at least 19 years old during the calendar year of the draft and one year removed from high school graduation.

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Anthony’s comments reflect a broader conversation around whether elite prospects should have more flexibility. Whether through an earlier draft entry option or an expanded professional development all the way around. 

As NIL opportunities reshape the college basketball landscape and alternative routes gain traction, the pressure on the NBA to revisit its eligibility policies may only intensify. With Peterson’s future under the spotlight, Anthony’s message is clear that the league must evolve alongside the talent.

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