NBA Power Rankings: All 30 Starting Shooting Guards
By Shane Young
13. Arron Afflalo — Denver Nuggets
Afflalo’s Detroit days were fun; it’s where it all began to mold together.
His first days in Denver (2009-2012) were intoxicating; we learned how well he could put the ball in the basket, shooting nearly 50 percent from the field.
His Orlando days were mixed; he took on a much larger shooting load, taking the most shots he’s ever had the chance to in his career, which inflated to more points. But, the catch with Afflalo is … he’s never been deplorable with his efficiency levels. He takes good shots, and has developed the routine of hitting those shots.
You would expect him to shoot in the low 40’s or high 30’s in terms of percentage if he turned into “the guy” in Orlando. Needless to say, he accepted the non-playoff experience and still went all-out to prove that his game is overlooked.
If the casual fan had to sit down and write out all the shooting guards they know in the league, Afflalo’s name wouldn’t appear on the paper. That’s the problem with how the NBA works: Bottom-feeding teams — especially out East — never receive national television recognition, and the League Pass purchasing levels still aren’t where they need to be.
It’s a shame, because Afflalo is a fabulous player in any jersey he’s wearing. Being dealt to Denver on draft night this June, Afflalo will have a more enjoyable time playing next to Ty Lawson, as he did in 2012. Denver can yield the injuries for once and make a run at the No. 8 seed, but it’s hard to see one addition to the starting lineup placing them over Memphis, Phoenix, Dallas, or Houston.
The 8-year shooting guard brings some of the smoothest face-up moves along with him. Afflalo has learned how to get defenders guessing, keeping them off-balanced. Once that’s accomplished, the one-dribble pull-up jumper isn’t a problem:
Doesn’t it remind you of who’s No. 1 on this list? To me, who’s watched both of them extensively, it does.
How about his patience during back-to-the-basket situations? Trying to establish position is something he does very well, and if he does have to force a shot, he makes sure it’s a good look. He’ll send it back out to a teammate on the wing, re-post, and then force the defender to work quickly. Sometimes, he ends up drawing a foul:
Afflalo wasn’t just in Orlando for nothing. He placed 11th in Value Added (212.8) and Estimated Wins Added (7.1) of all shooting guards. Denver will see a complete 180 in their production.