As he took that step closer to the orange jacket on his first ballot, Carmelo Anthony received a strong endorsement from the legendary executive who had to face the forward throughout his career.

A formality was made official Friday night when Carmelo Anthony, arguably the greatest Knick since Patrick Ewing, was named a finalist for the Naismith Hall of Fame.

Former Nuggets, Knicks icon and 10-time All-Star Carmelo Anthony, eight-time All-WNBA point guard Sue Bird, Dwight Howard and Maya Moore make list.