The Untold Truth: How Many Kids Does NBA Icon Carmelo Anthony Have?
The legacy of Carmelo Anthony, one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, extends far beyond the basketball court. While his 19-season professional career, Hall of Fame induction, and six Olympic gold medals are public record, the details of his family life—specifically, how many children he has—have often been a subject of intense public curiosity and media speculation. As of December 23, 2025, the retired superstar is confirmed to be the father of two children: a son who is following his footsteps into elite college basketball, and a daughter whose existence was initially kept private.
This article provides the most current and definitive answer, detailing the lives of both his children, the context of their mothers, and how Anthony has publicly embraced his role as a father in recent years, particularly during his emotional retirement and Hall of Fame speeches. The story of his family is a complex narrative woven into the fabric of his public life, involving his former marriage to a media personality and a previously unacknowledged child who has now been fully welcomed into the Anthony fold.
Carmelo Anthony: A Full Biography and Professional Profile
Carmelo Kyam Anthony, affectionately known as "Melo," cemented his status as a basketball legend over nearly two decades in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His professional profile is one of sustained excellence and scoring mastery.
- Full Name: Carmelo Kyam Anthony
- Born: May 29, 1984, in Brooklyn, New York
- Parents: Carmelo Iriarte and Mary Anthony
- Height: 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
- NBA Career: 2003–2023 (19 seasons)
- Primary Teams: Denver Nuggets (2003–2011), New York Knicks (2011–2017)
- Career Highlights:
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee (2023)
- 10× NBA All-Star
- 6× All-NBA Selection (2× Second Team, 4× Third Team)
- NBA Scoring Champion (2013)
- NCAA National Champion (Syracuse, 2003)
- 4× Olympic Gold Medalist (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020)
- One of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team members
Anthony’s journey from a difficult upbringing in Baltimore, Maryland, to a national champion at Syracuse University and a top-three draft pick is a story of resilience. He is widely regarded as one of the most gifted and versatile offensive players of his generation, known for his signature "jab step" and mid-range jumper. His retirement marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues through his family and his son's burgeoning career.
The Answer: Carmelo Anthony Has Two Children
Despite the public scrutiny that surrounded his personal life, Carmelo Anthony is the father of two children from two different relationships. His two kids are a son, Kiyan, and a daughter, Genesis Harlo. Both children were featured in his emotional 2023 retirement video and were present at his Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which served as a public affirmation of his complete family unit.
1. Kiyan Carmelo Anthony: Following the Syracuse Legacy
Kiyan Anthony is Carmelo’s oldest child and son, born from his marriage to actress, producer, and television personality La La Anthony (née Vasquez).
- Name: Kiyan Carmelo Anthony
- Date of Birth: March 7, 2007
- Mother: Alani "La La" Anthony (née Vasquez)
Kiyan has captured the attention of the basketball world as a highly-touted prospect, actively carving out his own path in the sport. He is a skilled, smooth scorer with an aggressive offensive mentality, traits he clearly inherited from his father.
In a powerful nod to his father's collegiate roots, Kiyan committed to play for the Syracuse Orange, the same university where Carmelo led his team to an NCAA National Championship in 2003. This commitment generated significant buzz, as it represents a passing of the torch and the continuation of the Anthony legacy at the collegiate level. Kiyan, listed as a 6'4" or 6'5" shooting guard, is currently a freshman and has already begun his collegiate career, making his debut with impressive stats.
Carmelo and La La Anthony married in 2010 and were considered one of the NBA's power couples, often documented on reality television shows. La La filed for divorce in 2021, citing irreconcilable differences, but the former couple maintains a co-parenting relationship focused on Kiyan's well-being and career.
2. Genesis Harlo Anthony: The Publicly Acknowledged Daughter
Carmelo Anthony’s second child is his daughter, Genesis Harlo, whose birth in 2017 occurred while he was still married to La La Anthony, leading to significant tabloid coverage and speculation about infidelity.
- Name: Genesis Harlo Anthony
- Date of Birth: August 1, 2017
- Mother: Mia Angel Burks (also known as Angel Burks)
Genesis's mother, Mia Angel Burks, first alleged that Carmelo was the father of her child in 2017. For years, Anthony did not publicly confirm the child's paternity or his relationship with Mia Burks. However, this changed dramatically in 2023.
In a move that officially settled the public narrative, Carmelo Anthony included Genesis in his retirement tribute video, which celebrated his 19-season career. Furthermore, he explicitly mentioned both of his children during his Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction speech, stating, "My kids saved me," and thanking both Kiyan and Genesis for their support. This public acknowledgement was a powerful moment, confirming that Genesis is fully recognized as his daughter and part of his family.
Mia Burks, who is known for writing a book, has often shared moments with Genesis on social media, expressing relief and joy as her daughter grows. The public confirmation by Carmelo has allowed for a more normalized co-parenting dynamic, shifting the focus from the controversy to the children themselves.
The Impact of Family on Carmelo's Post-NBA Life
The transition from a high-profile NBA career to retirement is often challenging, but Carmelo Anthony has repeatedly credited his children for providing him with direction and purpose. The entity of "fatherhood" has become central to his post-playing identity.
His relationship with Kiyan is now a focal point of sports media, with many observers noting the pressure and opportunity Kiyan faces in following the footsteps of a Hall of Fame parent. Carmelo is actively involved in his son's development, attending games and offering guidance as Kiyan navigates the competitive world of college basketball recruiting and playing for the Syracuse Orange. This mentorship provides a powerful narrative for the Anthony family legacy.
The inclusion of Genesis Harlo in his most significant public moments—the retirement announcement and the Hall of Fame ceremony—demonstrates Anthony's commitment to acknowledging and embracing all aspects of his family. This decision helped to redefine his public image, emphasizing his role as a dedicated father to both his son and his daughter, regardless of the circumstances of their births. The children, Kiyan and Genesis, have become the most important entities in his life, providing a strong foundation for his next chapter.
In summary, Carmelo Anthony has two children: Kiyan Anthony and Genesis Harlo Anthony. His son is a rising basketball star at Syracuse, and his daughter is a young child who has been fully and publicly embraced by the retired NBA legend. The focus on his family has provided a compelling, human element to the story of one of basketball's greats.
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