Luka’s Corner

On a US team loaded at every position, Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets is often forgotten in the midst of his fellow swingmen, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. Perhaps the most consistent player for the red, white, and blue over the past few years, people instead focus on what Kobe brings to the team offensively and defensively or how LeBron can control the game in the open court. However, it may just be the Nugget who proves to be golden in the final two games of the tournament.

Anthony is, in my opinion, the best shooter that Team USA has. Some may say that Michael Redd is the shooter for the team, but what good does he do when he does not even play when the game is close. Others may say that Kobe is the best outside shooter, but looking at his dismal shooting throughout the past six games, he cannot be counted on too heavily. Anthony shot 4-6 from downtown against Spain, perhaps the best team in the tournament, and 2-5 from downtown against Australia in the biggest game thus far. If Anthony gets into a shooting rhythm, which he rediscovered against Spain, then the team has a whole new gear to shift to. The ability to catch-and-shoot in a half-court set has been the Americans’ problem, but all they need is for one guy to get hot. So far, ‘Melo has been that guy.

The other area in which Anthony can contribute is rebounding. He and LeBron are the two best rebounders on the perimeter for Team USA and Anthony has found his groove these six games, averaging a solid 4.8 RPG. You probably have not paid much attention lately, but why is it that ‘Melo doesn’t get on the highlight reel? Why doesn’t he rack up some breakaway dunks of his own? The answer is plain and simple: Carmelo Anthony, often criticized for his lack of commitment to defense, is doing the dirty work for his country. And, if the US does win gold, he should receive a fair share of the credit.