Carmelo Anthony’s Leadership as an Olympian Transcends Basketball

By Jordan Milne | Aug 22, 2016

Aug 19, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; USA forward Carmelo Anthony (15) high fives teammates against Sweden during the men's basketball semifinal match in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

Carmelo Anthony will bring the experiences learned with Team USA this summer along with him to the NBA season with the New York Knicks.

After the clock reached zero, and the U.S. men’s basketball team secured a 96-66 victory over Serbia for their third straight gold medal, Carmelo Anthony let his emotions show. In an interview with Ros Gold-Onwude, Anthony remarked on the meaning of this gold medal and his Olympic experience.

He was thankful for the opportunity to compete and lead. Tears, of joy most likely, formed in his eyes as he reflected on the journey through this Olympic field and how much he will miss the experience. That very experience, however, will shape Anthony and the twilight of his career.

Winning had to feel good for Anthony after experiencing two of his worst seasons as a professional with the New York Knicks. Lacking much in the way of help as well as injuries are mostly to blame for the down seasons. But, the outlook for this next season is definitely positive as Anthony, in his own words, has said it’s an exciting time to be a fan of New York Knicks basketball.

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Now a four-time Olympian, and three-time gold medalist, we are looking at a mature and well-rounded leader. He’s led 10 Olympic rookies through the toughest Olympic field yet. That same leadership is on display as Carmelo continues to keep social change at the forefront of his conversation.

Not far from his mind, while embracing the reality of his latest athletic achievement, he remained cognizant of the social unrest that has been plaguing different parts of the country when speaking with Ros after the victory. That is what makes a true Olympian, a true champion, and a true leader despite what anyone else may say.

"“I Just want to see thank you, for allowing me to be one of the leaders. Not of just our team [USA] but of our country. Despite everything going on right now in our country, we got to be united, and I am glad I did what I did. I stepped up to the challenge. This is what its about.”"

That same maturity, experience, and leadership will matriculate through the Knicks team next season.

The influx of talent from off-season acquisitions guarantees Anthony more help. Playing through another summer Olympics promises to have Anthony in great shape ready for training camp as well.

It’s no secret, NBA players who spend the summer in the USA basketball camp end up having great seasons to follow. The combination seems like it’ s created a reinvigorated Anthony who is poised to lead the Knicks, much like Team USA, to the promise land.

Next: 6 Games To Circle On New York Knicks' 2016-17 Schedule

Along with the rest of Team USA, we should salute Carmelo Anthony. We salute him for daring to be inspirational and transcend basketball and sports when it’s necessary. He continues to be a leader in social change, pushing the social commentary forward.

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