10-time NBA All-Star and future Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony has revealed his personal starting lineup of non-USA basketball players. In his lineup, Anthony has selected Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kristaps Porzingis, and Nikola Jokic. Anthony’s picks for his non-USA basketball team come just a few months before the 2024 Olympics officially begins.
3x Basketball Gold Medalist Reveals Personal Non-USA Starters
Breaking Down Carmelo Anthony’s Lineup
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada)
Season stats: 30.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 2.1 steals (league-leading) per game.
The 25-year-old is having a monstrous season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Currently, in large part due to Gilgeous-Alexander’s career year, the 49-20 Thunder own the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. Additionally, Gilgeous-Alexander has the second-highest betting odds to win MVP this season.
Luka Doncic (Slovenia)
Season stats: 34.1 points (league-leading), 9 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game
Since joining the NBA in 2018, Doncic has done nothing but impress everybody watching his game. The 24-year-old is having a career year, averaging a career-high in points and assists per game this year. Doncic is one of the most exciting and electrifying offensive players the NBA has ever seen. Though he has yet to win the award, it feels like an MVP honor is inevitable for the Dallas Mavericks star in the future. And let’s not forget about his amazing 73-point performance earlier this year.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece)
Season stats: 30.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game
The Milwaukee Bucks star remains one of the best players in the NBA. And despite being in the league for over 10 years, Antetokounmpo is still only 29 years old. Furthermore, as one of the best all-around players in basketball, the two-time MVP is one of the most unguardable players in the league. His defense is still remarkable, and his athleticism allows him to be a beast in the paint.
Kristaps Porzingis (Latvia)
Season stats: 20.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game
Of all of Anthony’s picks, Porzingis is the most controversial one. However, it’s easy to forget the two were teammates for a short time while with the New York Knicks, so Melo knows a thing or two about Porzingis’ game. With the league-leading Boston Celtics this season, Porzingis has shined on both sides of the court. His impact is noticeable, and it will be interesting to see if he can help the Celtics get over the hump and win a title this year.
Nikola Jokic (Serbia)
Season stats: 26.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9 assists per game
This is as close to a no-brainer pick as possible. The reigning Finals MVP is having another phenomenal season and is currently the betting favorite to win another MVP award. There is nothing Jokic can’t do on the offensive end. He is one of the greatest offensive minds the NBA has ever seen, and the big man has yet to hit 30!
The Last Word on Carmelo Anthony’s Picks
Overall, Anthony’s list is fine. However, there are some big names not included, including:
Joel Embiid (Already expressed desire to play for Team USA’s basketball at the 2024 Olympics)
Domantas Sabonis (Was born in Oregon, USA)
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