Carmelo Anthony, a legend of both the NBA and USA Basketball, recently made waves by naming his all-time Team USA starting five, notably excluding Michael Jordan from the list.
“Myself, Durant, LeBron and then I would have to go to Kobe. Michael would be there but for USA, I would put Barkley.” (3:00)
In an interview with BasketNews ahead of Team USA’s gold medal game against France at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Anthony chose himself, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Charles Barkley for his lineup.
The omission of Michael Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, may seem surprising at first glance. However, Anthony provided a rationale for his decision.
He specifically selected players who had extensive careers in FIBA tournaments, noting that Jordan only played in one Olympic Games as a professional, the iconic 1992 Dream Team. While Jordan did compete in the 1984 Olympics before beginning his NBA career, Melo emphasized the importance of consistent international competition in his criteria.
Anthony’s own inclusion in the lineup is well-deserved, considering his storied career with Team USA. Despite never winning an NBA championship, Melo is one of the most successful Olympic basketball players in history, with three gold medals from the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Games. He was also Team USA’s all-time leading scorer in Olympic play until Kevin Durant surpassed him during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Durant, who has been a dominant force in Olympic basketball, was an obvious choice for Anthony’s lineup. Entering the 2024 gold medal game, Durant had accumulated 503 Olympic points, making him the all-time leading scorer for Team USA. LeBron James, another member of Anthony’s all-time five, has also made his mark on the international stage, securing three gold medals, including one in Paris in 2024, where he played a pivotal role.
Kobe Bryant, known as the face of the 2008 Redeem Team, earned his spot through his leadership and clutch performances, particularly in the gold medal game against Spain. Lastly, Charles Barkley’s inclusion reflects his outstanding contributions to the original Dream Team in 1992 and his continued dominance in the 1996 Olympics.
While Michael Jordan’s exclusion may raise eyebrows, Carmelo Anthony’s criteria focused on sustained international success, allowing him to highlight players who consistently excelled on the global stage.
