New York signed veteran sharpshooter Arron Afflalo to a two-year deal worth $16 million. The second season has an $8 million player option.As for what—or who—convinced Afflalo to take a chance on the rebuilding Knicks, the answer is multifaceted, but seemingly reliant upon one man: Carmelo Anthony.
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Arron Afflalo says Carmelo Anthony played a big role in his decision to sign with the #Knicks.
More went into Afflalo’s decision than Anthony’s presence, of course, but ‘Melo was clearly a key factor.
Afflalo and Anthony played together with the Denver Nuggets from 2007 to 2011. Afflalo made 161 starts during that time, which created a sense of familiarity between the two.
Afflalo was the 3-and-D specialist, while Anthony was the offensive juggernaut.
In New York, the two will reprise those roles within the Triangle Offense. Afflalo, a career 38.5 percent shooter from 3-point range, will be trusted to space the floor while Anthony often creates his own looks.
The Triangle Offense is about the team, but Anthony’s isolation proficiency will not be lost in its entirety.
That alone makes a trustworthy shooter all the more important should ‘Melo develop as a drive-and-dish facilitator. That’s a big if, but Afflalo has thrived in such a situation in the past.
Who’s to say he won’t in New York?
For what it’s worth, Anthony shot above 45.0 percent from the field in 2009-10 and 2010-11—Afflalo’s first two seasons as a full-time starter. He’s done that in just one full season since joining the Knicks.
Both players project to benefit from Afflalo’s arrival.
An efficient Anthony and a consistent Afflalo could go a long way towards pushing New York to the postseason in 2015-16. It could also provide a sense of continuity that’s been missing under Jackson, who’s created more changes than anything else.
Perhaps this is a sign that Anthony can draw free agents to Manhattan.
and im sure quin and lopez would have had 2nd thoughts, believe it or not melo's presence makes a difference
8/6/2015 7:38 AM
