By Josh CohenJuly 27, 2017
ORLANDO -- As you might remember from when he played in Orlando previously, Arron Afflalo is very confident shooting with a hand in his face. He’s a tough-shot maker and he’s able to consistently make contested jumpers.
Over the last four seasons, Afflalo shot 38 percent from 3-point range when the shot attempt was contested. By comparison, here are how others have shot from beyond the arc when the attempt was contested during this same time span:
Jimmy Butler: 32 percent
James Harden: 35 percent
Damian Lillard: 35 percent
Carmelo Anthony: 35 percent
While the quantity of shots he takes has significantly been reduced in recent years, Afflalo still has an excellent mid-range game. He’s always been known for his step-back fadeaway jumper. He still has good footwork when he faces his defender up and he remains a threat when he posts up.
Afflalo shot 28-of-47 (62 percent) when he posted up in 2016-17 with the Kings. He usually will back his man down a bit with a few dribbles, then spin into a turnaround jumper. That’s always been his bread-and-butter move (Kobe Bryant style).
Afflalo comes off screens well. He’s really good squaring up after the catch, getting his feet set and launching a jumper. Over 13 percent of his shot attempts last year came off screen and he shot nearly 44 percent in these situations. He’s also a fairly good spot-up shooter from downtown and he’s an effective catch and shoot scorer (46 percent last season).
Afflalo’s size, strength and tenacity stands out on the defensive side of the floor. He’s always raised the intensity when he’s matched up against premier opponents. Here are some impressive numbers that show the field goal percentage players shot when Afflalo was the closest defender last season:
James Harden: 0 percent (0-of-7)
Paul George: 20 percent (2-of-10)
Andrew Wiggins: 30 percent (3-of-10)
Klay Thompson: 40 percent (4-of-10)
Here’s a look at a few plays that help illustrate what Afflalo can contribute to the Magic:
AFFLALO CONTESTED 3 OVER LEBRON JAMES
AFFLALO POST-UP TURNAROUND JUMPER
AFFLALO OFF-SCREEN FADEAWAY JUMPER
AFFLALO CUTTING TO BASKET
AFFLALO DEFENSE AGAINST JAMES HARDEN