New York Knicks: One Area In Which Every Starter Must Improve

Carmelo Anthony: Being More Decisive

Position: Small Forward
Age: 32 (5/29/1984)
Experience: 14th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .421/.351/.853
2016-17 Season Averages: 33.3 MPG, 21.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.9 3PM

The primary issue with Carmelo Anthony’s overall execution in 2016-17 has been his indecision. He’s consistently giving the opposition time to get back into their defensive stance and has maintained a poor level of defensive consistency.

Between the ejections, defensive inconsistency, and indecision on offense, Anthony must maintain his focus and composure if the New York Knicks are going to make the playoffs.

Anthony is shooting 53.7 percent on 2-point field goals and 39.2 percent on 3-point field goals when he holds the ball for fewer than two seconds, and 41.1 percent and 24.6 percent when he holds the ball for two seconds or more. Yet, he consistently holds the ball on offense.

Anthony must trust his teammates and the system, as evidenced by his shooting 41.6 percent on catch-and-shoot 3-point field goals and 21.9 percent on pull ups from distance.

On the defensive end of the floor, Anthony’s effort wavers from game to game. As a result, the Knicks are allowing 110.2 points per 100 possessions when Anthony is on the floor and 104.8 points per 100 possessions when he isn’t.

Teams follow the star player’s lead, which is why Anthony must hold himself accountable and remain consistent in his effort and team-first mentality.