Carmelo Anthony undoubtedly ranks among the greatest players never to win an NBA title. He started to build a Hall of Fame resume in his Syracuse days. He had a record freshman season, winning the 2003 NCAA title and being named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player.
Forgoing his remaining three years in college, Anthony declared for the 2003 NBA draft. Picked third overall by the Denver Nuggets, he showed superstar potential from day one, prompting the Team USA selection committee to test him out during the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.
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As one of the young guys on the team, he played a mere 6.8 minutes over the seven games. Anthony averaged 2.4 points and 1.6 rebounds, earning a bronze medal as Team USA suffered a major upset.
When Team USA set out to reclaim its place at the top in 2008, Melo was no longer just along for the ride; he was one of the leaders of the Redeem Team. He continued his gold streak with golds at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
After winning his third consecutive gold medal, Melo opened up about how national success helped make up for not winning an NBA championship.
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“Most athletes don’t have an opportunity to say that they won a gold medal, better yet, three gold medals. I would be very happy walking away from the game knowing that I’ve given the game everything I have, knowing I played on a high level at every level: high school, college, won (2003 NCAA title) in college and possibly three gold medals,” stated the veteran forward.
“I can look back on it when my career is over – If I don’t have an NBA championship ring – and say I had a great career,” mentioned Anthony, a member of the 75th anniversary team.
Melo’s decorated Olympic resume
Anthony participated in four Olympics, winning one bronze and three gold medals. During the course, he averaged 10.9 points and 3.9 rebounds, shooting 46 percent from the field. He is also the first basketball player ever to win three consecutive gold medals.
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A Top 3 all-time leading scorer for Team USA, Anthony continues to hold the record for most points in a single game. The veteran forward dropped 37 points against Nigeria in the 2012 London Olympics. Adding to his accolades, Melo still holds the record for most games played (31) and most rebounds (125).
Winning gold surpassed all accolades
Widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers in the history of the NBA, Anthony’s 19-season career featured ten All-Star and six All-NBA selections. However, the closest Melo ever came to the Larry O’Brien trophy was during the 2009 WCF when he played for the Denver Nuggets.
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Nevertheless, Anthony had no regrets, finding peace in his three Olympic gold medals, something he wouldn’t trade for a ring in the NBA as well.
“When we talk about global sport, for me, a medal means something totally different than an NBA championship. They both have their own separate meanings, but winning a gold medal, it’s the passion, it’s the pride that you have, not just for a city or state but for a whole nation, a whole country you’re winning for,” replied Melo.
“It’s a different level of, I would say, pride that you have to have when you’re wearing USA across your chest. It’s a totally different feeling than Knicks, New York across your chest,” he added.
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Anthony’s stance was met with mixed reactions, especially in a league where championship rings have often defined greatness. Still, by putting his Olympic legacy on par with the NBA’s ultimate prize, Melo may have forced a new wrinkle into the debate on what makes an NBA great.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.