#1 NBA Wing Free Agent in 2011: Arron Afflalo

According to SI.com, Afflalo should be the top free agent target for NBA teams wishing to add a wing. He earns special mention for his "two-way" abilities, making it clear that exceptional defense is still a valued commodity in the NBA, despite stale jokes to the contrary.

11 months ago Tydides 5 comments 0 recs |

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Interesting quote

“He has gradually evolved on offense from a one-dimensional spot-up shooter into someone who can hurt you in a variety of ways — in transition, coming off screens, working off the dribble and even posting up smaller defenders.”

These are actually all skills he showed on the college level, and was fairly good at. Even his shot (pretty flat in college) was pretty suspect when extended to the NBA three, and now he’s shooting 43%. Some doubted his NBA potential because he lacked elite speed or athleticism, but Arron has definitely refined his game and has adapted to the league very well. I hope he gets that big contract.

by Alanamaslama on Jul 12, 2011 12:55 AM PDT reply actions

I'll also add that they ranked him ahead of 6 NBA All-Stars

Granted, they’re all past their prime. ;)

by Alanamaslama on Jul 12, 2011 12:57 AM PDT up reply actions

It's so funny how they reference Wesley Matthews

Because I would trade Matthews to bring Afflalo to my beloved Blazers any day of the week. I think Afflalo is just about as close as you come to the “perfect role player” on an NBA squad. Excellent defender, very good shooter, versatile, can rebound, create, make plays, etc. He is my favorite all-time Bruin, and favorite NBA role player, along with JJ Barea (who I’d love to see in Portland), Trevor Ariza, and DeAndre Jordan.

"Every day was a good day at UCLA." -Coach John Wooden

by OswegoBruin on Jul 12, 2011 4:42 PM PDT reply actions

I think he's growing into more than a role player

He has leadership qualities that would earn him more than that. In a few more years players will look up to him and respect him.

But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.

by tasser10 on Jul 13, 2011 7:27 AM PDT up reply actions

I don't know that he

possesses the athletic or scoring qualitites to ever be more than a role player, which I consider a “star”. To me, he’s the best player out there who isn’t already a star.

"Every day was a good day at UCLA." -Coach John Wooden

by OswegoBruin on Jul 13, 2011 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions