New York Knicks: Realistic Expectations For Carmelo Anthony

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Mar 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) drives down court against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Facilitating

Perhaps the most important development in Carmelo Anthony’s game has been his improvement as a facilitator. Not only has he improved his production, but he’s been a far more willing passer than in previous seasons.

Coming off of a career-best season from a facilitating perspective, it’s now on Anthony to continue distributing the ball at a productive and high level.

Anthony averaged a career-high 4.2 assists per game during the 2015-16 regular season. It was the first time in his 13-year career that he’d averaged at least 4.0 assists per game and just the third time he’d averaged at least 3.5.

In 2016-17, the ideal number for Anthony would be back around 4.0, but 3.5 would certainly be acceptable.

Anthony doesn’t need to turn into LeBron James, especially with Brandon Jennings, Joakim Noah, and Derrick Rose on the roster. He’ll still shoulder the heaviest workload on the roster, however, and will draw the most eyes from opposing defenses.

Anthony should improve his scoring volume and efficiency, but a part of getting help is offering it—and being willing to facilitate will make his job as a scorer that much easier.

Realistic Expectation: 3.5 APG

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