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New York Knicks: Five Reasons To Move Carmelo Anthony To PF

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek talks with forward Carmelo Anthony (7) in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 98-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek talks with forward Carmelo Anthony (7) in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 98-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 25, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) takes a shot while being defended by Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) takes a shot while being defended by Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

5. The Ultimate Stretch 4

The NBA has fallen in love with power forwards who can space the floor and convert from beyond the arc. Carmelo Anthony is far more than a spot up shooter, but his ability to space the floor rates amongst the best in the Association.

If Anthony were to line up at power forward, he’d receive opportunities to work without the ball and develop a rhythm without having to grind out every shot attempt.

Thus far in 2016-17, Anthony is shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 34.0 percent from 3-point range on catch-and-shoot jumpers. Those are two highly efficient marks that display just how dominant he can be when working off-ball.

Anthony proved it during his start at power forward on Jan. 16, when he posted 30 points and was assisted on both of his converted 3-point field goals—the catalysts to his success.

Despite those efficient numbers, 46.3 percent of Anthony’s possessions have ended with pull up jump shots. By moving to power forward, Anthony would be tasked with taking fewer long jumpers off the bounce and receive more opportunities off the catch.

As Olympic ‘Melo consistently proves, when he’s allowed to play the first three quarters in a predominantly off-ball capacity, he can conserve energy and dominate the fourth.

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