Carmelo Anthony Reportedly Will Accept Team USA Minicamp Invitation

New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony has been part of the past three United States men's basketball teams at the Olympics, and it appears as though he is taking steps toward making it four in a row.  

According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, Melo will attend Team USA's minicamp in Las Vegas from Aug. 11-13.

Anthony hasn't played in a game since last season's All-Star Game as he underwent knee surgery in February. Per Berman, it is expected that Melo will only take part in some light shooting as his rehabilitation continues.

USA Basketball has invited 41 players to the camp, and while managing director Jerry Colangelo made it clear that performances at the minicamp won't make or break players' chances to make the 2016 team in Rio de Janeiro, he believes it is important for possible roster members to attend, according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein:

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Basically, we're looking for a time of reflection, celebration and being respectful of what we've accomplished with USA Basketball over the last decade. And then to build on that, we want to get a read to see who's committed for next year. ... I think it's important for those who want to continue with us and be under consideration for '16 to be with us in Las Vegas for a couple days. It's going to be low key. Light workouts, no contact and then play an all-star game. No concern about competitiveness. We're not evaluating anyone.

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Anthony may not be able to do much in Vegas, but simply showing up will prove to Colangelo and the USA Basketball brass that he wants to take part in the 2016 Summer Games.

Melo was a key player on each of Team USA's past two gold medal-winning teams, and he played a smaller role on the bronze medal squad in 2004.

Anthony will be 32 years of age when the 2016 Olympics start, and there is no guarantee he will make the team despite his past international accomplishments. He still managed to average over 24 points per game last season, though, and he'll likely be given every opportunity to play in Rio provided he can stay healthy.

The former Syracuse University standout has been a key component of Team USA's return to prominence along with LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, and his decision to appear in Las Vegas is a sign that he wants to continue that growth.

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