Carmelo Anthony will be the oldest player on Team USA this summer. The 32-year-old is a long-standing member of the national team. With other players of his draft class and generation dropping out, Melo’s decision is a somewhat surprising one.
But the New York Knicks forward has been a force on the international stage. His scoring punch has always been difficult for other teams to deal with. With less pressure on him to lead these teams, his efficiency added to the volume of his scoring becomes deadly.
Despite concerns about the Zika virus and despite Team USA getting younger, Anthony made the decision to stay on board. And the forward does not seem to have any regrets, as he told Steve Aschburner of NBA.com:
“It’s a new a new batch of guys,” he said. “I get a chance to go out there and kind of be the leader of the team. Lead these guys and kind of enjoy it. For me, it’s about going over there and having fun. Getting that fun feeling back, getting enjoyment back.
“And it’s time to get another gold medal.”
Melo will be playing in his fourth Olympics when Rio comes around. He will have the opportunity to win his third Olympic gold medal. While the vet may not have as big of an impact as he has had in previous tournaments, his knowledge and wisdom will bring a different kind of impact.
In all likelihood, this will be the final time Carmelo Anthony plays in a major international tournament. He seems ready to make the most of it.
