In the 1986 movie Hoosiers, Coach Norman Dale says, “If you put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential, to be the best that you can be, I don't care what the scoreboard says at the end of the game, in my book we're gonna be winners.” This quote should apply to every superstar today. Unfortunately, we judge athletes by how many championships they have won. I have been very critical of New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony in the past, but over the last few years he has evolved and I should too.
A few months ago Melo took out a full-page ad in the New York Daily News. His message: It is time for athletes to make a difference. Carmelo Anthony became the first American to win three Gold Medals (playing in Rio) for the USA Basketball team. After the victory he was very emotional in his interview. He had such pride wearing the USA Jersey. Throughout his career the former Syracuse great has been considered a selfish player who only cares about himself, his points and his shots. Many in the media were very critical of his decision to pay in Rio and wanted him to rest his body for the upcoming season. I vehemently disagreed with the detractors. Melo hasn’t played in the post-season since 2013. It’s not like he is LeBron James and getting to the NBA finals every season for the past 6 years. Playing against elite competition in practices and games can only help him evolve on the court.
Many of the Olympic teammates looked to him to provide leadership and stability during their gold medal run. This will help his cause with the Knicks. Carmelo will not only be a mentor for young players like Kristaps Porzingis and Langston Galloway but he will also have tremendous influence over Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. Melo is not a natural born leader, but he is learning how to command respect on and off the court. I don’t know if he will ever win a championship but that is okay. To paraphrase Coach Dale, “In my book he’s already a winner, no matter what the scoreboard says.”
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