New York Knicks: What Every Starter Must Improve Upon After 20 Games

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Nov 28, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) holds the game ball prior to taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Small Forward: Carmelo Anthony

Experience: 14th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .433/.350/.868
2016-17 Season Averages: 34.1 MPG, 22.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.1 3PM
In Need Of Improvement: Too Much ISO

The New York Knicks have changed Carmelo Anthony’s role, but that doesn’t make him any less important. He’s still the go-to scoring option in the clutch—and over the course of the first three quarters—but he needs to be able to play off-ball on a more consistent basis.

In order for Anthony to execute his role at the highest possible level, he must avoid falling into his isolation tendencies during the fourth quarter.

When Anthony goes ISO, he often holds the ball for too long and often settles for jump shots. He also has a tendency to go ISO against big men and settle for long jumpers instead of utilizing his agility and craftiness to get to the rim.

For perspective: Anthony is No. 5 in the NBA in points in isolation per game, but is shooting just 40.6 percent on such possessions.

Anthony has been more efficient with his offense in recent games, which is a promising sign for the Knicks. He’s embracing the strengths of his teammates and picking his spots instead of holding the ball during the fourth quarter.

Anthony is still as clutch as any player in the NBA, but the Knicks are at their best when he’s embracing the full extent of his offensive arsenal.

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