Carmelo Anthony looking forward to playing in Olympics

Some players treat playing for their country in the Olympics like it’s a chore or obligation. Carmelo Anthony is viewing it as a relief and life-saver.

At the same time that Chris Paul announced he would not play for the US in the Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro so he could rest, Anthony said he was looking forward to representing his country.

“The Olympics for me, I think, is great timing for me, especially coming off this season, and coming off of injury and just being back and being ready to go back out there and play,” Anthony said Tuesday via Newsday. “Mentally, I think it’s good for me to get out there and feel what that feels like again.”

Since winning 54 games and reaching the playoffs four seasons ago, the Knicks have slipped and even endured the worst season in franchise history last year. That all has to wear on Anthony, which explains why he would be looking forward to playing with the best players in the country and winning consistently.

Though CP3 says his body needs the rest, while Anthony is looking forward to playing, LeBron James still has not said whether he will play for Team USA. Anthony, Paul, James and Dwyane Wade are all well known friends, and ‘Melo and LeBron have a chance to become the first US men’s basketball players to win three gold medals.

We already know LeBron is all for the idea of playing with his friends, but whether that will happen in an Olympics setting this summer is another story.