Knicks' Anthony Wants To Play In Olympics To 'Feel What That Success Fees Like' Again
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Carmelo Anthony says he needs to play into the Olympics this summer so he can finally taste success again.
Anthony and the Knicks are about to wrap up their third straight non-playoff season. New York is 30-45 -- the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference.
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"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 told reporters in Dallas on Tuesday. "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.''
Anthony, 31, is a finalist to make the Olympic roster for the third time. If he wins gold for the third time, he would set a record for a U.S. basketball player.
On Tuesday, Anthony's friend, Clippers point guard Chris Paul, withdrew from consideration for Team USA. Paul told Sports Illustrated he's taking the summer off to rest his body.
Anthony said his own commitment to competing in Rio will not be swayed by Paul's decision.
"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).''
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Cleveland's LeBron James, Golden State's Stephen Curry, Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook and Houston's James Harden are among the other stars expected to make the team.
The opening ceremony of the Olympics will be held Aug. 5.