The news on Carmelo Anthony this offseason has been that he has been too quiet. Anthony reportedly has not been in the loop about the Knicks free agency plans, he didn't go to Las Vegas to watch the Knicks summer league team, and he didn't go to the first annual Players Awards or the union meetings. Anthony is recovering from knee surgery and is rightfully focused on that but his reported lack of inclusion in the Knicks offseason is a bit puzzling. Despite all of this Melo will reportedly attend Team USA camp in Las Vegas according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.
The USA Team is set to gear up for the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro and will hold camp from August 11th to the 13th. The Knicks may not be thrilled to hear that Anthony will be attending camp as it is a bit early for him to be playing. Anthony had surgery on his torn patellar tendon and the timetable for his return was reportedly four-to-six months. The camp will be taking place right around the four month mark from when Melo had his surgery.
Team USA CEO Jerry Colangelo reportedly is encouraging players to come to camp even if they have an injury. Melo has just started to do some basketball activities like shooting and will likely not participate in the more rigorous activities at camp.
Anthony has been a part of the last three USA Olympics teams winning gold twice (2008 & 2012) and bronze once (2004.) There are reportedly about 34 players that are expected to be at the Team USA camp although the players have not yet been confirmed.
Anthony is reportedly not a lock to make the team even though he has been a key contributor for USA in the past. Anthony is coming off a serious knee surgery and is now 31 years old so team USA might be able to find some younger, fresher bodies for the team. The Knicks likely wouldn't be too upset if Anthony didn't make the Olympic team as it would give him more time to rest up next summer and prepare for the Knicks 2016-17 season when they hope to have a roster that is ready to make the playoffs.
