Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James have starred for every Olympic Team USA team since debuting at the 2004 Summer Games. They’ve won two gold medals and a bronze, helping to make them one of the most decorated duos in Olympic basketball history.
In 2016, the trio of Anthony, James and Chris Paul will look to do something that no other male basketball player has ever done: win three Olympic gold medals.
Anthony and James would become the first men to play in the Olympics on four different occasions.
A number of players have won multiple gold medals, including Michael Jordan and David Robinson. The likes of Charles Barkley and Scottie Pippen have even won Olympic Gold in back-to-back attempts.
No male has done it three times. Anthony, James and Paul have a chance to buck the trend with a three-peat.
According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Anthony understands how historically significant the summer games could be in 2016.
"“We talk about it all the time,’’ Anthony said of winning another gold medal with James and Paul. “Just about how we want to go out and end it the next year with the Olympics, just how much we want to take from this experience. I’m going on four [Olympics], LeBron is going on four. Paul going for three. We’re connected by the hip.’’Anthony and James can set a new mark of competing in four Olympiads in basketball and winning three golds.“I’ve been part of USA since 18 years old,’’ Anthony said. “There’s history to be made. You got to start holding on to those moments and enjoy them.’’"
Anthony’s always been one to embrace the historical significance of the moments he’s lucky enough to be a part of.
Anthony infamously played in the 2015 NBA All-Star Game despite battling injuries. It was a heavily-scrutinized decision that left many with a bad taste in their mouths.
The reason: Anthony publicly admitted that he’d be shutting it down for the rest of the season after he played in the glorified exhibition game.
Merely writing that out is somewhat off-putting.
Through all of the commotion, however, Anthony’s reasoning was simple and sound: the fans voted him in, so they deserved to see him play. The fact that the game was being held at Madison Square Garden was nothing but further impetus to go out there.
Thus, it’s not surprising that the player with the most points in a single Olympic game will continue to pursue international history.
As for the concerns about whether or not Anthony will make the team given his current health situation, they should be squashed. By serving as one of the best players in Team USA history, he’s earned some equity.
Per Berman, Team USA head coach and Duke Blue Devils legend Mike Krzyzewski has every intention of bringing Anthony to Rio.
"“I’d take him anywhere,’’ Coach K said. “He’s been committed since 2004 — he and LeBron. Carmelo is a great guy, not just a great player. In the first meeting [Monday night], looking at the group, he’s so excited to be here — a kid in a candy store. That’s pretty darn good. … [James], Melo, Chris, they are USA Basketball.”"
That certainly sounds like the Knicks will be represented at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Anthony has spent more than a decade an intricate member of the highest level of Team USA basketball. He’s had more than his fair share of memorable performances in the international setting.
In 2016, Carmelo Anthony will have the chance to further solidify his Hall of Fame resume with a historic third gold medal.
Next: Charles Barkley believes the Knicks will make the 2016 NBA Playoffs
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