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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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Jan 16, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) attempts to block a shot by Atlanta Hawks guard Kent Bazemore (24) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) attempts to block a shot by Atlanta Hawks guard Kent Bazemore (24) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Enabling Easier Defense

Carmelo Anthony may have been solid on defense in 2015-16, but he’s been unable to find the magic in 2016-17. He’s struggling to stay in front of slashers and has been underwhelming with his closeouts on 3-point shooters.

The easiest way for Anthony to overcome these issues would be to play a position that has fewer explosive athletes and more stationary scorers: power forward.

Thus far in 2016-17, Anthony is allowing opponents to shoot 46.2 percent from the field—1.4 percent higher than their average field goal percentage. If you aren’t a fan of proximity statistics, then you can evaluate his impact on the team.

New York is currently allowing 110.2 points per 100 possessions with Anthony on the court and 103.4 points per 100 possessions when he isn’t.

Considering New York is nearly seven points per 100 possessions better on defense without Anthony, something needs to change. Moving Anthony to power forward would cause the defense to suffer in some areas, but his individual defensive proficiency would improve.

If the franchise player were to improve on defense, one is inclined to believe the rest of the team would improve with him.

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