Report: Carmelo Anthony asked for a chance with Team USA, was rejected
Carmelo Anthony wanted a shot with USA Basketball this summer, but his request was denied.
Carmelo Anthony is without a job in basketball after his failed stint with the Houston Rockets last season, but the 35-year-old future Hall of Famer seems to desperately want an opportunity to prove he can still play. Anthony refuted a report that he was simply looking for a “farewell tour” in an appearance on First Take last week, and said he feels certain that he could contribute to an NBA team, even if he’s forced to take a reduced role.
As the list of NBA stars who turned down invitations from Team USA for the upcoming FIBA World Cup continued to grow, many fans floated the idea of Anthony returning to represent the United States – and Anthony was reportedly on board with the idea.
Anthony’s skillset, in his prime, was perfect for the international game, and he was one of Team USA’s best offensive weapons in three gold medal runs at the Olympics. He never got the chance to prove himself at Team USA camp in Las Vegas, however, because he was denied the opportunity by USA Basketball Managing Director Jerry Colangelo.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Colangelo said Team USA felt that Anthony’s presence could be a “distraction.”
Via Sports Illustrated:
“He was a very good international player. But for where we are and what we’re doing, that conceivably could have been a distraction. I understand why the request was made. He’s trying to reestablish himself. I think that has to be done in the .”
It’s possible that USA Basketball was trying to protect Anthony by sparing him the embarrassment of not making the roster, but the “distraction” line is a weak excuse. Team USA, as currently constructed, is a collection of secondary stars and NBA role players, and the FIBA World Cup isn’t a high-profile tournament in the first place. Anthony might not have been good enough to make the team, but he’s certainly contributed enough to at least be granted an opportunity.