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New York Knicks: Every Starter’s Most Underrated Skill

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 26, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) prepares for a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) prepares for a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 9, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) defends during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) defends during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Carmelo Anthony

Position: Small Forward
Age: 32 (5/29/1984)
Slash Line: .434/.339/.829
Season Averages: 35.1 MPG, 21.8 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.5 3PM

It’s no secret that Carmelo Anthony is one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. He ranks No. 29 on the all-time scoring list, No. 13 in career scoring average, and won the scoring title during the 2012-13 season.

Though his effort fluctuated in the past, Anthony stepped up as a defensive player during the 2015-16 regular season.

Though his reputation may say otherwise, Anthony has become a quality defensive player. He held opponents to 42.1 percent shooting from the field in 2015-16, with said number falling below 40 percent at multiple points of the season.

Anthony wasn’t being hidden on defense, either; he routinely took on the inherent challenge of defending his position.

Anthony needs to become a better team defender in an off-ball capacity. Jeff Hornacek can mask some of that by putting the New York Knicks into more zones when Anthony is on the floor, but ‘Melo is clearly capable of holding his own in on-ball situations.

Anthony may not be a traditionally reliable defensive player, but times are changing in New York under Phil Jackson’s watch.

Next: Power Forward

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