National Basketball Association

New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony To Facilitate Pick And Roll

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony is one of the best scorers in NBA history. He’ll be introducing a new element to his game in 2016-17.

The New York Knicks have committed to building around one of the most feared scorers in NBA history: Carmelo Anthony. For as dominant as Anthony has been as a scorer, he’s rarely been given the opportunity to provide offense without creating it in isolation.

Anthony will have an opportunity to score and facilitate with improved efficiency under head coach Jeff Hornacek.

Hornacek is one of the more respected offensive minds in the NBA. He runs a motion offense that relies on all five players filling a role and keeping the ball moving to create multiple angles to attack and exploit.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Anthony could be adding something new to his game within Hornacek’s offense: the pick and roll.

“When he’s actually handling the ball in the pick-and-rolls he’s very good, again, because he’s got the size, he’s got the strength,” Hornacek said. “If they try to double him, he makes passes out of there, so I’ve been impressed with that.”

That’d be a welcome addition to Anthony’s offensive attack.

Anthony averaged 3.0 possessions per game as the pick and roll ball handler in 2015-16, per NBA.com. That was well below the marks achieved by some of the players whom he calls peers at small forward.

LeBron James averaged 5.3 possessions per game as the pick and roll ball handler, Kevin Durant checked in at 4.8, and Jimmy Butler recorded 6.5.

For Anthony, running the pick and roll on a higher number of possessions per game will enable him to create with improved efficiency. Not only will he have more opportunities to facilitate, but he’ll have a chance to get higher percentage shots, as well.

Coming off of a high screen, Anthony will generate more open midrange and 3-point jump shots, as well as clear paths to drive to the basket.

Running more pick and roll action through Anthony should help both the player and the team.