“A medal means totally different…” Carmelo Anthony would never trade his Olympic medals for NBA championship
After a lengthy career spanning almost two decades, Carmelo Anthony has stated that he will never give away his Olympic medals for an NBA title.
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Carmelo Anthony (Image via ESPN)
With a career spanning 19 NBA seasons, Carmelo Anthony is perhaps one of the most famous basketball stars of his generation to not win a championship. However, regardless of the absence of a ring during his career, winning an Olympic gold medal is even rarer. Anthony happens to have three gold medals to his name.
In a recent interview granted to BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas, the former basketball player talked about sport and what an Olympic medal means to him. When asked if he would ever trade his gold medals for an NBA title, Carmelo Anthony had quite a few to say.
I've never been asked that question, No. When we talk about global sport, for me, a medal means something totally different than an NBA championship. They both have their separate meanings but winning a gold medal, it's the passion, it's the pride that you have... for a whole nation, it's for a whole country you're winning for.Carmelo Anthony said
Despite being unlucky to end his NBA career without a title, Anthony was successful on the world stage for the USA. That he says, is a greater feeling and pride for any athlete than winning domestic trophies. He further asserts that representing his country is something that carries an overwhelming purpose rather than being an NBA champion.
Anthony played in four Olympics for the USA men’s basketball team and has four medals in total, three gold and one bronze. Despite spending almost twenty years in the league, the 10-time NBA All-Star didn’t find any championship success at the professional level. This includes eight seasons as a Denver Nuggets player and playing with the New York Knicks for seven.
Carmelo Anthony was all-in on Paris Olympics action
Following the start of the 2024 edition of the Olympic Games in Paris, Anthony was present in person to show support to Team USA players. The basketball great made sure to get a seat courtside, particularly in the game against Serbia.
With that close view, he cheered on the players and went on to ‘coach’ the team from the sidelines, as they made a comeback in the semifinals. His impact by just being a spectator that day, was quickly noticed by fans as the USA turned around and won the game.
But that wasn’t all for Anthony, who was determined to take in all of the action at the Paris Olympics. After Serbia’s bronze medal game against Germany, the NBA legend came courtside to give warm embraces to Serbian star Bogdan Bogdanovic. The latter had earlier taunted him using his signature celebration after scoring against the USA. Nonetheless, for Anthony, it was all love and peace as he showed again why he is widely respected by players and fans.
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Peter Okereke
(98 Articles Published)