Colangelo explains why Melo was left off Team USA roster

Carmelo Anthony won't be on the United States' roster at the 2019 FIBA World Cup despite a decorated history with the team, including three straight Olympic gold medals.

According to USA Basketball director Jerry Colangelo, Anthony asked for a chance to play at the tournament, but Colangelo said it's simply time to move on with a new core of players.

"I love Carmelo," Colangelo said Wednesday, according to Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix. "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 re-establish himself. I think that has to be done in the (NBA)."

Anthony is arguably the most successful player in men's USA Basketball history. He appeared in a record four Olympics and became the team's all-time points and rebounds leader during the 2016 gold-medal run.

The 35-year-old last appeared in a game Nov. 8 with the Houston Rockets before the team informed Anthony it was moving on. He was eventually traded to the Chicago Bulls and subsequently waived.