How Will Arron Afflalo Help The Knicks?

The New York Knicks were principal beneficiaries of the free agent mass exodus from Portland this offseason. New York snagged a pair of former Trail Blazers in seven-foot center Robin Lopez and two-way 6-feet-5 shooting guard Arron Afflalo. Both will likely assume significant roles as the team continues to find pieces to fill major deficiencies.

The Knicks are in serious need of talent and depth at nearly every position. But the most alarming aspect from last season: they failed to compete. Digging out of the hole New York finds itself will take a patient approach, whereby the team adds pieces year to year while keeping roster and financial flexibility to eventually add a second All-Star to complement Carmelo Anthony.

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In order to fulfill the long-term rebuilding goals of the team, it will be of utmost importance to spend strategically. This goes against everything the organization has done historically. The impending signing of Afflalo, while a small piece of that puzzle, signals the Knicks are likely amiable to that plan.

Afflalo, who agreed to a two-year $16 million deal, came as one of the better bargains on the free agent market this summer. He will likely slide into the starting vacancy left by the traded Tim Hardaway Jr.

The Knicks finished 30^th in the league last season in points per game, while at the bottom five in nearly every defensive shooting category, per Team Rankings. As an effective midrange and pull up three-point shooter, Afflalo should help the team’s offensive efficiency. But more true to his game, he’s a scoring wing player that is a capable defender.

Afflalo’s midrange shooting is nearly seven percent higher than the league average (39.6) and he should therefore see plenty of opportunities in a triangle offense that relies on reading and reacting to situational defense.

Between Portland and Denver last season, he averaged 13.3 points while shooting a subpar 42 percent from the field. The Knicks will hope they’re getting the Afflalo from 2013-14 where he experienced a career year with the Orlando Magic by averaging 18.2 points on 46 percent shooting on a team that finished 23-59.

The Knicks struggle to score and the interior game is very visibly lacking. It becomes more complicated when realizing the team not only lacks the requisite size, but also has virtually no one that can break down a defense off of penetration. The team finished dead last in the league in points in the paint. If Afflalo’s outside shot is dropping, it should open up his penetration game and supply the team with paint opportunities. A significant number of his attempts come right at the rim while converting nearly 54 percent of them, according to NBA Savant.

A potential backcourt of Jerian Grant and Afflalo should contribute a fair share of offensive production. Both have shown capable of being perimeter threats while also penetrating and dishing on collapsing defenses.

Arron Afflalo /

On defense, Afflalo has historically made a mark as a solid wing defender, fighting under screens and using lateral movement to cut off penetration angles. He’s well equipped in that regard and has no qualms in putting forth the necessary energy and effort. And while no one will doubt his motor, it remains to be seen how effective he can be on a Knick team not expected to be in contention.

Afflalo should mesh well with Anthony, having spent 119 games together over the course of two seasons (2009-2011) with the Nuggets. It wouldn’t be a stretch to claim Afflalo was a different player then. His offensive and defensive production experienced somewhat of a swoon last season.

There is no harm in bringing in an effective two-way shooting guard at the price New York did. The reward won’t be earth shattering but it should help allow them to do one thing well: compete.

Next: 2015 Free Agency Tracker

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