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Carmelo Anthony Gets Unique Offer To Continue His Basketball Career

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David Hookstead Sports And Entertainment Editor
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NBA star Carmelo Anthony has an open invite to play for the Puerto Rican national team.

According to a story from ESPN, the team has a spot ready and waiting for Anthony if he decides he wants to take it. Adrian Wojnarowski wrote the following:

For Puerto Rico, an association with Anthony, 34, and its national team could go a long way for the beleaguered island. Officials want Anthony to know: There’s an open invitation.

Anthony has had one of the most decorated international basketball careers in history, winning three Olympic gold medals and bronze with Team USA before announcing his retirement in 2016. Born in Brooklyn to a father of Puerto Rican descent, Anthony has spent considerable time in the U.S. territory and has been a part of charitable pursuits there.

Anthony would need USA Basketball to grant him a waiver to play for Puerto Rico, which would be easily attainable.

 

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This is a fun idea, but let’s all be honest here. There’s no chance Anthony is going to likely suit up for Puerto Rico after hanging it up for Team USA. Plus, he’s got his own problems to worry about right now, given the fact the Houston Rockets have decided they no longer want anything to do with him.

Look, I really think it’s time for Melo to do the right thing for his legacy and just hang it up. The man was a scoring machine; he’s likely not going to win a championship; and the longer he drags out his playing days, the sadder it’s going to get. (RELATED: NBA Star Will Not Play Another Game With The Houston Rockets. Here’s What His Next Move Might Be)

 

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He’s certainly not going to cement his legacy any further by getting blown out on the Puerto Rican national basketball team. I have no idea what the future holds for Melo, but I just hope he doesn’t end up embarrassing himself.

He’s had a hell of a career, and he deserves to enjoy retirement. That’s not going to happen if he bounces from team to team looking to keep his playing days alive.

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