Carmelo Anthony and DeMarcus Cousins were two of the biggest stars during their playing years in the NBA. While Anthony was undoubtedly the more prominent star, now being in the Basketball Hall of Fame, Cousins was also a huge star in his own right.
Having that in mind, Anthony and Cousins had the opportunity to team up back in the 2016 Olympics as part of Team USA. While they were able to secure the gold medal that year, apparently, the roster spent more time partying than practicing.
Carmelo Anthony and DeMarcus Cousins Hilariously Recall Binge Drinking Moments During 2016 Olympics
There’s no denying that Team USA is the scariest team to beat when it comes to the Olympics. For a while now, the Americans have consistently won the men’s basketball gold medal, except in 2004.
Apparently, the confidence got into the heads of the 2016 Team USA squad, as Anthony and Cousins revealed that the roster went on a binge-drinking spree throughout the Olympics in Rio. This was because their accommodation had an open bar available 24/7.
Anthony and Cousins hilariously shared how they found themselves getting drunk every day. They spent most of their nights playing cards while demolishing what was available in the bar.
“We was getting lit,” Cousins said. “Every single night, bro. We drank every single day. … I’ve never drank that much in my life.”
Carmelo Anthony and Boogie says the 2016 USA team was getting f*cked up everyday during the Olympics 👀
Boogie: We was getting lit. Every single night bro. We drank every single day
Melo: We was responsibly drinking
Boogie: F*CK NO! I’ve never drank that much in my life
(Via… https://t.co/y1uMZM1ZSS pic.twitter.com/sx5bbOkWJR
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) February 16, 2026
Despite the drinking spree they were on, Melo himself was amazed at how dominant they still were throughout the 2016 Olympics in Rio. He noted that it was likely due to the roster composition that year.
Looking back at who represented Team USA at the time, it featured some of the all-time greats and some notable stars:
- Jimmy Butler
- Kevin Durant
- DeAndre Jordan
- Kyle Lowry
- Harrison Barnes
- DeMar DeRozan
- Kyrie Irving
- Klay Thompson
- DeMarcus Cousins
- Paul George
- Draymond Green
- Carmelo Anthony
That year, Kyrie came fresh from his NBA championship win with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Barnes, Thompson, and Green also came from their face-off against the Cavs in the 2016 Finals.
As for the remaining players on the roster, the majority were All-Stars that year, making them a difficult team to beat.
