Carmelo Anthony wants to be an NBA team owner. Before realizing that ultimate dream, the retired NBA player is using his skills and knowledge in the right way, and overseas at that. The Australian Pro League NBL is making waves in the basketball scene, and joining the ride is the former Syracuse Orange man. As he gains new experience in being a team owner, Anthony reveals his inspiration to join the expansion team in the Aussie league.

“Ownership for one. But that’s always, ownership is always, the ticket right,” Anthony began in an interview with Andscape when asked about what drove him to the decision.“Okay, how can I become an owner in the sport that I have been playing for a long time.” 

The 2X USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year emphasized how he wants to use his impact to help globalize the league as much as possible. He said, “Back to ownership right and there’s not many of us in the ownership seats, in the ownership group on a cap table, being able to have impact in these organizations. A lot of times we get in and it’s you know it’s just a small percentage” 

He further added, “So you just don’t have anything you show up for me that’s not my cause I get in I like to use my impact I like to use my education and my insight and just my experience in the way that I can expand it in a way that is different.”

To maximize his impact in the league, Melo has been working closely with NBL president Larry Kestelman and will also be part of the NBL’s one-year Next Stars program. As a global ambassador for the program, he will help prepare young, promising talents, most of whom go on to have impressive careers in the NBA. Some of the most successful products of this program include Alex Sarr, LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, and more. The 10-time NBA All-Star isn’t the only one who plans to become a part of the thriving pro league.

Kenny Smith is also expected to own an NBL team

The NBL has appointed veteran analyst and former NBA player Kenny Smith to mentor players in the Next Stars program. Smith will use his knowledge to train, develop, and hone the talent and skills of these unpolished players, preparing them for the pro leagues.

Furthermore, Smith is also expected to own an NBL team. Other former and current NBA players who have been associated with NBL team ownership include Luc Longley, Kevin Martin, Zach Randolph, Khris Middleton, Shawn Marion, John Wall, and Matt Walsh among numerous others.

With the NBL currently being one of the best and most popular men’s professional leagues in Australia and New Zealand, the New York Knicks star’s involvement and valuable knowledge are sure to add more impact to the league and enhance his business resume as well.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.