Like many former NBA players before him – we can cite Khris Middleton, Dante Exum, Zach Randolph, John Wall, Shawn Marion, Kevin Martin, Kenny Smith… – Carmelo Anthony will invest in Australian basketball. The former All-Star will put money into the creation of a new NBL team, the local championship.
In addition to being a global ambassador for the “Next Stars” program, which allows “foreign” players to prepare for the NBL Draft. Like LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, Ousmane Dieng and Alexandre Sarr.
“I will bring innovative solutions to improve basketball, the team and the game around the world”he announces to explain his role as ambassador for Andscape. “I will bring my point of view as a professional of twenty years. I know this sport, the business from the inside out. There are a lot of different avenues and doors that I will be able to open, not only in the United States in terms of the NBL, but also in other places around the world. »
Why did you want to invest? “Being an owner is my priority. How do I invest in this sport that I have practiced for so long? »answers Carmelo Anthony. “It's funny because now, at this point, I really have the opportunity to build from the ground up. I can build with and thanks to everything I learned as a player, by being the owner. It's a different position, a new hat. »
“I am very inspired by the idea of becoming an owner, especially in the NBA”
Ten-time All-Star, top scorer in the league, Team USA executive for more than a decade, the former Knicks player, whether owner or ambassador, will be able to share his experience with young people who dream of the NBA.
“I can't wait to grow this project, develop it and allow people to see exactly what we want them to see, which is player development. Not just here in the United States, but around the world”specifies “Melo”. “It's about allowing players to understand what it's like to come here to play in the United States, in the NBA or in college, because there's a big difference. In both cases, it is a real culture shock. »
But we should not believe that this arrival in Australian basketball is a form of finality for Carmelo Anthony. No, the third choice of the 2003 Draft is already aiming higher: becoming an NBA owner.
“I want it now. I'm working on it at the moment”, he announces. “I'm very inspired by the idea of ownership, especially in the NBA. There aren't many of us in these seats among the ownership groups, but change is beginning. Athletes have a lot of power and with the money that exists in our sport, you can mingle with these people. Doors are starting to open. We are no longer just seen as athletes or players. Afterwards, when we walk through those doors, it’s up to us to do the work. More and more of us will occupy these positions and have a say in leading our own teams. »
