Carmelo Anthony Makes NBA Return With No.00

For most of his career, he has had No.7 on his back. He even used the hashtag “#StayMe7o” using his famous number and nickname. Though the number is not retired yet in Portland, it is being held in Brandon Roy’s honor.  Melo has also worn 15 and 22, but both are retired in Portland.

Before making his Trail Blazers debut on Tuesday, Carmelo took to Instagram to explain why he chose to play with No. 00. He posted a photo listing 11 reasons he chose the number, including “The chance to have a new and great beginning with the past left behind where it belongs.” He also included “I will always be 7” in his caption along with some hashtags using the number.