New York Knicks: Realistic Expectations For Carmelo Anthony

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Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) dribbles the ball as Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 130-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Scoring

If there’s one thing that you can expect to see from Carmelo Anthony, it’s an average of at least 20 points per game. He’s scored at least 20 points per game in all 13 of his NBA seasons, and doesn’t appear to be slowing down.

With a career-worst average of 20.8 points in a distant 2004-05 campaign, Anthony should be a productive scoring force in 2016-17.

Anthony averaged 21.8 points per game in 20115-16, which was his lowest mark since 2004-05. He shot an uncharacteristically low 43.4 percent from the field, however, and became a much more willing passer and all-around team player.

In 2016-17, you can expect Anthony to improve his scoring volume and efficiency under a head coach who will help him in invaluable ways.

Jeff Hornacek plans to utilize Anthony in both traditional ways and a manner that reflects the 32-year-old’s FIBA game. Anthony, who’s No. 29 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list and No. 1 on Team USA’s Olympic scoring list, thrives when given catch-and-shoot opportunities.

With a system that relies on motion and ball movement, and a cast of playmakers who can help create space for Anthony to operate, he should return to his productive ways.

Realistic Expectation: 24.0 PPG, .465/.350/.800

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