Carmelo Anthony Speaks Out on Bogdan Bogdanovic's Polarizing Copycat Celebration

NBA legend Carmelo Anthony had a courtside seat in witnessing Team USA capture the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

But before beating France for the title, LeBron James, Steph Curry and company had to escape Serbia in the semifinals. The hot shooting of Bogdan Bogdanovic and the all-around play of Nikola Jokic was a problem for Team USA.

The 31-year-old Bogdanovic also captured the attention of fans worldwide by repeatedly mimicking the signature three-point celebration of Melo in front of Melo, while also talking smack as they took the lead over the U.S.

While many blasted the Serbian hotshot for taunting and being a copycat, Anthony said he appreciated it and acknowledged that Bogdanovic was only paying homage to him.

"It was real-time, real s**t going on," the New York Knicks icon said on the "7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony and Kid Mero" podcast. "I'm not even saying (anything) to Bogi. I'm like, as he's playing, he makes a shot, 'Oh, I like that, Bogi. I see you.'

"I'm talking that s**t to him. So, I appreciate everybody taking my side, but the real s**t was he was showing love."

Anthony, who won three Olympic gold medals with Team USA, even admitted that he wanted to cheer for Bogdanovic, who kept Serbia afloat with his timely outside hits.

"He knocked that three down like that, I'm like, 'I can't show emotion, just accept what comes with it.' I really wanna be like, 'Yo, that was crazy.' I wanted to point at him," said Melo.

Bogdanovic's team-high 20 points weren't enough to stave off Team USA, which completed a come-from-behind win, 95-91. He was in tears after the tough loss.

He, however, earned Melo's admiration. As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

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