Carmelo Anthony's Request To Join Team USA Declined: Report

It's been a tough few months for Melo.

BYAlexander Cole
Harry How/Getty Images

Carmelo Anthony went on First Take last week and spoke about some of the frustrations he has had with trying to get back into the NBA. It doesn't seem like any of the teams out there are willing to take a waiver on him which is extremely bizarre when you consider how effective of a player he used to be. For now, teams are skeptical that he will accept a reduced role and that is certainly weighing on him moving forward. Things have gotten even worse for Melo though, as according to Sports Illustrated, he requested to join Team USA for the FIBA World Cup but was ultimately denied.

“I love Carmelo,” USA Basketball Managing Director Jerry Colangelo said. “He made a great contribution. He was a very good international player. But for where we are and what we’re doing, that conceivably could have been a distraction. I understand why the request was made. He’s trying to reestablish himself. I think that has to be done in the [NBA].”

Carmelo Anthony's Request To Join Team USA Declined: Report
Harry How/Getty Images

Based on the roster for the upcoming tournament, it seems as though the team is looking to go younger and at 35 years old, Carmelo wouldn't exactly fit that bill. Anthony's contributions to USA Basketball have been pretty significant though, as he has helped them win three gold medals and a bronze in 2004.


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About The Author
Alexander Cole is the current Managing Editor of HotNewHipHop. He started at HotNewHipHop back in 2018 where he began as a Sports and Sneakers writer. During this time, he has shown an expertise in Air Jordans, Yeezys, and all things that have to do with Nike. His favorite kicks are the Air Jordan 1 High OG, the Air Jordan 4, the Air Jordan 6, and the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 in the "Beluga 2.0" colorway. Although his collection might not be the biggest, he is always looking to add new styles to it. When it comes to sports, Alex has a particular interest in the NBA and the NFL. His favorite teams are anywhere LeBron goes, and the Kansas City Chiefs. As a Montrealer, the Montreal Canadiens hold a special place in his heart, even if they haven't won the Stanley Cup in his lifetime. Alex also works for the Concordia Stingers, where he provides play-by-play and color commentary for the football, hockey, and basketball teams His favorite hip-hop artists are Kendrick Lamar, Playboi Carti, Travis Scott, and Lil Uzi Vert.