Carmelo Anthony’s knee problems won’t hold him out of Olympics
Carmelo Anthony fully intends to play in this summer‘s Olympics despite his recurring knee problems, reports Marc Berman of the New York Post.
Anthony, who was bothered by his left knee prior to the All-Star break and had surgery on a torn left patellar tendon in 2015. When asked about the Olympics prior to Tuesday’s game between the Knicks and Nuggets, Anthony said he was unconcerned with injury getting in the way of his participation.
“I want to go,” Anthony told reporters of the upcoming Rio Games. “I look forward to being part of that. By that time, my knee will be fine. I’m not too concerned with the knee. My knee will be extremely fine by that time.”
Anthony has been part of the last three Olympic teams and will have a chance to win his third gold medal if selected. He was also a member of the infamous Bronze-medal team in 2004.
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“Nobody can take that away from you, being a part of history – good or bad – from 2004 until now and being a major part of the growth of international, USA basketball, being there when we were at the lowest of the low. I sit back and dwell on that and realize this is a special moment.”
Anthony is part of a core group of returning Olympic finalists that includes his close friends LeBron James and Chris Paul. The United States has the task ahead of selecting a final roster from a deep, talented pool. Head coach Mike Krzyzewski has demonstrated loyalty for the team’s most loyal players in the past, and Anthony’s shooting and willingness to play a role on the national team has helped him stand out in international play.
