Carmelo Anthony, the retired NBA star, is a proud father to a daughter, Genesis Harlo Anthony, who was born on August 1, 2017.
Carmelo and Mia Burks, Genesis’s mother, welcomed her while Carmelo was still married to his ex-wife, La La Anthony.
Despite the complexities, both parents have remained committed to raising Genesis with love and care.
On September 6, 2025, Carmelo Anthony was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
During the ceremony, he delivered an emotional enshrinement speech, and fans were surprised to see Genesis in the audience.
Anthony proudly presented both of his children: his daughter, Genesis, and his son, Kiyan. He also mentioned them in his acceptance speech, highlighting their importance in his life.
He said to his 18-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter, seated in the audience:
Your father isn’t perfect, but he is proof that struggle doesn’t mean surrender. Proof that the road can be rough and still lead to glory.
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He added:
Raising children in this world is revolutionary. I didn’t just want to be a basketball player. I wanted to be a model of redemption, of accountability, of love. My kids saved me.
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Carmelo pointed to his children, who were sitting together, and continued:
They gave me a reason to move past ego, past noise, past criticism. They reminded me that legacy isn’t what you leave behind, it’s what you lift up.
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During the ceremony, Genesis waved at the camera with an adorable, coy expression, while the audience applauded and laughed. Both she and her brother joined in the applause, making the moment even more heartwarming.
Many fans were unaware that Carmelo had a daughter. Following an Instagram post about the event, one user commented:
He got a daughter ?
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While another asked:
When he get a daughter?
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When Genesis turned 8 in 2025, her mother, Mia, shared a heartfelt collage on Instagram featuring photos from her childhood to the present, captioning it:
My baby is 8 today!
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She also posted a TikTok video of Genesis dancing to Baby Kaely’s rap, which seemed ideally suited for her:
Well, my mommy said I am the best all around and my daddy said I’m the best in town, and big momma said, ‘Girl, don’t you play around.’
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In 2024, for her 7th birthday, Genesis celebrated in classic ‘Carmelo fashion’ with an elaborate New York Knicks-themed party, honoring her father’s legendary career at Madison Square Garden.
Genesis donned her father’s No. 7 Knicks jersey as guests indulged in cookies designed to match the iconic uniform.
According to Burks’ Instagram Stories, Carmelo also attended the event, showing their commitment to positive co-parenting despite not being together.
Carmelo Anthony officially retired from the NBA in May 2023, sharing a touching video that reflected on his 19-season journey and the lasting impact he wished to make.
‘My journey has always been bigger than basketball,’ he remarked, as footage of his son and daughter played.
Even with the complexities of co-parenting, Genesis continues to thrive, supported by both her parents.
Genesis Anthony Shares a Strong Sibling Bond with Her Brother, Kiyan
Genesis has an older brother, Kiyan Anthony, who was born on March 7, 2007. He is Carmelo’s only child with his ex-wife, La La Anthony.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Kiyan committed to Syracuse University in November 2024, the same school where Carmelo famously led the team to a national championship in 2003.
Kiyan is currently a senior basketball player at Long Island Lutheran High School in New York, having transferred from Christ the King High School in Queens in 2023.
He plays both shooting guard and forward and is recognized by ESPN as one of the top shooting guards in the class of 2025.
The relationship between Genesis and Kiyan is evident and strong, particularly during public appearances and family gatherings.
Despite the age difference, the siblings maintain a close bond, supporting one another while learning from the example set by their father.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Carmelo Anthony first met Mia Angel Burks during the NBA Draft period in Chicago, and their relationship began casually.
- In 2004, Anthony became engaged to Alani “La La” Vazquez, and the couple married on July 10, 2010.
