Carmelo Anthony eyes Olympics so he can feel what 'success feels like'
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After another season playing on a losing team, New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony said that he is looking forward to feeling success at the Olympics.
Speaking to reporters after his team’s game against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, Anthony made it clear how important the trip to Rio de Janeiro will be for him.
“From a morale standpoint as a player, if you've been through the things I've been through the past couple of years, you want to feel what that success feels like,” Anthony said via ESPN. “You want that success. So the Olympics for me is great timing, especially coming off this season and injuries, and mentally it's good for me to get out there and feel what that feels like again.”
Chris Paul withdraws from Team USA consideration for 2016 Olympics
The Rio Games will be Anthony’s fourth trip to the Olympics, where he has previously won two gold and one bronze medal.
One player who will not be coming with him is Chris Paul, who told SI.com on Tuesday that he's withdrawing his name from consideration for the 2016 Olympics. Although Paul is out, Carmelo and Cavaliers star LeBron James have a chance to win their third Olympic gold medals this summer.
“If we were all going to do it, I would've loved for (Paul) to be a part of that, especially for this one last time,” Anthony said. “If he's not feeling it, his body's not right and not healthy, then no need for him [to play].”
In 23 Olympic games, Anthony is averaging 14.6 minutes, 10.4 points and 3.6 rebounds.
