Carmelo Anthony has won a gold medal with Team USA at the last two Olympic games. He’s become part of the team’s core since 2004 along with LeBron James. Anthony has struggled with knee soreness this season but has been a 20-point scorer and still competes at a high level.
As far as participating in the Rio Games this summer, Anthony is absolutely interested.
From AI Iannazzone of Newsday:
“I want to go,” Anthony said. “I look forward to being a part of that.
“Not too many people can say they played in four Olympics and have a chance to win three gold medals. Not too many people can say that. To me that’s the way I look at it and the way I approach the Olympics.”
Nobody can take that away from you, being a part of history. Since ‘04 up until now, being a major part of the growth of international basketball, USA basketball, being there when we were at the lowest of the low when it comes to basketball internationally and then experiencing two gold medals, the way that we did it, I sit back and I dwell on that. I realize this is a special moment.
Carmelo will be competing with 28 others for a spot on the final 12-man roster. Team USA could look to go in a different direction at forward and be just as formidable, but Melo’s standing and tenure with Team USA will probably take precedence. If he’s fully healthy and able to go, though it might not have been openly stated, Carmelo is one of a few players with a guaranteed spot.
