Metta Sandiford-Artest wass never an NAB superstar. In all of his 17 seasons, he only ever averaged 20 points or more twice.
But the guy was a pretty solid baller who was not only a lockdown defender but also a capable scorer.
Despite a rather impressive resume, there is one experience Artest never got to enjoy: winning Gold with Team USA.
In a story he shared during a recent interview on Basketball News, the 2010 NBA Champion explained how hard he fought to get a spot on the team.
“I had to call the Olympic office myself. And I got no return call. And I was like, ‘Just let me try out.’ I understand I wasn’t the greatest player to be around at that time and some players did not want to play with me, but I was like, ‘Give me a chance to take that player’s spot,’” the ex-Lakers champion said.
I even told them I would get the water. I literally called the office. I told my agent, ‘Can I even be the water boy? Something?’ So every time someone brings up the Olympians, I rant, I rant I rant. I am an Olympian, for sure. I am an Olympian, a gold medalist, and I truly believe that.”
Seems like Artest wanted that spot pretty badly, and it’s a shame he never got it. The dude was very talented and could have helped Team USA in more ways than one.
Alas, it just wasn’t in the cards, and the talent pool was just a little too deep for his name to be in consideration.
