Knicks Rumors: Will Carmelo Anthony Play In Olympics?

New York Knicks Rumors: Will Carmelo Anthony participate in the 2016 Rio Olympics for Team USA?

New York Knicks rumors have been revolving around the future of the head coach and roster, as this is an extremely important summer for the organization. It could change the direction of the team for years to come depending on who is made head coach and added talent wise. But, a recent rumor revolves around Carmelo Anthony and it does not involve his no-trade clause.

Instead, the most recent rumor if about whether or not he will take part in international play this summer and join Team USA for the 2016 Rio Olympics. It was not too long ago that Anthony was looking forward to playing with Team USA, citing the difficulties of losing with the Knicks this season and wanting to experience some winning.

But, it sounds like Anthony may be changing his tune a little bit. With Chris Paul withdrawing his name a couple of weeks ago from consideration, LeBron James is the only player along with Anthony that was on the 2008 gold medal winning team. If James commits to play, Anthony said it would certainly help in him making his, but it does not sound like he is close to making a final decision about whether to play or not.

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“That’s at the top of the sport, of any sport. I think if you have the opportunity to do it, and enjoy it, and take advantage of it, I think you should do it. [The Olympics are] the throne for sports as a whole,” Anthony told The Vertical. “I’m going to take a little more time to think about it. I’m not in a rush. NBA season is still going on, so I’m going to see how I feel physically. Am I ready to take on – I don’t want to say burden, but – that load? If I’m ready, I’ll do it. If not, my body won’t lie to me.”

This is an extremely important offseason for Anthony, as his NBA future kind of hangs in the balance. He has been adamant about wanting to stick it out with the Knicks, but he has dropped hints that he may have to move on if he wants to play for a winner as the Knicks rebuild may not match up with his timeline for winning.

The decision that Phil Jackson makes for head coach will probably play a big role in Anthony’s willingness to stay in New York, as he has wanted to have input in the search but has yet to talk to Jackson. There were rumors that Anthony wanted Tom Thibodeau as head coach, but Jackson didn’t receive promising reviews when talking to people in the Chicago Bulls front office and essentially wrote Thibodeau off without even interviewing him.

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There is still some incentive for Anthony to join Team USA, as he and James could become the first three-time Olympic gold medal winners for basketball if they could win the tournament. But, with the uncertainty surrounding his NBA future, it would not be a surprise if Anthony decides to sit out this summer and concentrate on his NBA future.

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