Carmelo Anthony’s flawed genius hit different because I saw his faults in myself

When I watched Melo on the court, I watched more than a player, but a fully realized person, warts and all. He is my favorite player because he remains the most relatable

I wasn't prepared for Carmelo Anthony's retirement announcement. One, because I thought he would, and should, play a few more years. He was still in game shape and could bring a veteran scoring presence to any team in the NBA.

The second reason is because I am in the middle of the most consequential separation of my adult life with the woman I still consider my soul mate. Like with Anthony, or Melo, as he is known affectionately by his fans, there was no obvious inciting incident. Melo and the game seemed to drift apart and neither could give the other what they wanted. The same can be said for my former partner and me. The video he released showcasing his amazing journey from the gang-infested streets of Baltimore, to the mountaintop of Syracuse, to becoming the ninth leading scorer in NBA history broke me. I had yet to cry for the ending of my relationship, but Monday's news brought it my grief to the fore: one of our favorite rituals was watching the NBA and cheering for the Knicks together.