Arron Afflalo: 3 Reasons Why the Signing Makes Sense

It’s not risky at all.

Apr 27, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) reacts after being hit by Portland Trail Blazers guard Arron Afflalo (4) during the second quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

In the past, the Knicks didn’t care about the future of the team. They’d give out huge, high risk — Low reward contracts each year. That’s how the Knicks got into a lot of the contract issues we had with Amar’e, J.R and Andrea Bargnani.

This time around, things seem to be different. The Knicks went short-term, signing Afflalo to a 2 year deal with a player option after the first. The cap is increasing next year, so there’s a possibility that Arron might opt out for more money.

Player shot 42.5% against Afflalo when he was the primary defender, which is 1% better than the league average. He’s also a career 38% 3 pointer shooter. To put it in layman’s terms: Arron is that solid 3 and D player that the Knicks desperately needed.

After having a below average season, Afflalo will be looking to have a bounce back year. If he can get his averages close to 15-4-4 on 44% I’ll be happy. If he ends up being a total flop, we’ll only have to deal with him for 1 more year at the most. There’s legitimately no risk at all.

Congrats Phil, slowly but surely you’re changing the culture of the team and making our future brighter. I hope you keep it up.