Knicks: Playing For Team USA Will Help Carmelo Anthony

2004-05

In order to complete a fair evaluation, we must acknowledge the outlier in the set of results. Though he’s been sensational following his previous appearances, he wasn’t exactly better than he used to be following the 2004 Olympic run.

After Team USA faced disappointment with a shocking bronze medal, Anthony made minimal improvements from 2003-04 to 2004-05.

Anthony averaged 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.6 3-point field goals made in 34.8 minutes. He did so on a highly inefficient slash line of .431/.266/.796, and averaged 3.1 turnovers per contest.

Considering Anthony shot 32.2 percent from 3-point range in 2003-04, that decline was quite shocking to those who expected progress.

There are two critical notes that make this the outlier that it is. For instance, 2004-05 was Anthony’s second season in the NBA, and 2004 was the only Olympic run he’s made that ended without a gold medal.

In other words, while it may be necessary to acknowledge 2004-05, a season that began 12 years ago shouldn’t influence your opinion much.

Next: The Results: 2008-09