Opinion: What Does Arron Afflalo Bring To The Table?
By Rafe Wong
Yesterday the Sacramento Kings signed veteran shooting guard Arron Afflalo to a two-year contract that is valued at $25 million.
In terms of personnel, Afflalo fits a need for the Kings. Before free agency started the Kings only had Ben McLemore and soon-to-be acquired rookie Malachi Richardson as their only two guards on their roster. Neither of them is an established starter at the moment.
With the addition of Afflalo, however, the Kings two-guard need is filled. But based on talent how does Afflalo help his new team?
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Offense
Based on the production throughout his NBA career, Afflalo has been an asset for teams on both ends of the floor. On offense, he is a player that the Kings will look to in making jump shots at a consistent rate, specific beyond the perimeter.
Afflalo has a career three-point percentage of 38.5% and in his recent season with the New York Knicks he finished with a percentage of 38.2. The Kings are hoping the success he has had so far with his shooting stroke will translate during his tenure with Sacramento.
Defense
Defensively, Afflalo has been solid as well, but last season with New York he dipped a bit as he recorded a defensive rating of 106.3.
Hopefully, for the Kings sake, Afflalo will thrive better under coach Dave Joerger. But based on his past production he is still an upgrade for a Kings perimeter defense that was putrid for fans to watch last season.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Afflalo is a good upgrade for the Kings at the two-guard position. He has shown throughout his career that he can be a consistent asset offensively and has proven enough to earn the belief that he will improve Sacramento’s defense going forward.
Free Agency Watch: Kings Should Retaste The Curry
It’s not a massive upgrade, but the Kings might have finally got their shooting guard that can bring offense, defense, and experience at a productive level to the table. Their ideal 3-and-D type player.