Jerry Colangelo told Chris Mannix of SI.com that he declined Carmelo Anthony's request to join Team USA ahead of the FIBA World Cup.

Anthony asked to join the team through representatives, according to Colangelo.

“I love Carmelo. He made a great contribution. He was a very good international player. But for where we are and what we’re doing, that conceivably could have been a distraction. I understand why the request was made. He’s trying to reestablish himself," said Colangelo.

Anthony hasn't played since leaving the Rockets last November after 10 games.