Image via WikipediaThe Nuggets acquired him in July of 2009 and in his first year with the team, Afflalo averaged 8.8 points a game on 46.5% shooting including 43.4% behind the arc.
Although preseason stats can be somewhat misleading, through three exhibition games, Arron has averaged 21.7 points a game while shooting 54.8% from the field and 52.9% from the arc.
Coach George Karl had nothing but praise for Afflalo after his 27-point night against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday in a 100-95 Denver victory.
"I joked with him all summer, 'You better ready man because I'm going to have to play you.' He's worked as hard as anybody I've ever coached in the summertime, working on his game and on his shot," said Karl. "I don't think people in the league think he's a top three-point shooter but we think he is. We think he's going to shoot over 40% the rest of his career."
At 6'5", 215 pounds, Arron was originally drafted out of UCLA by the Detroit Pistons. His reputation was that of a top-notch perimeter defender but the Pistons dealt him to the Nuggets in a cap space move.
Afflalo talked about his efforts over the summer.
"Over the offseason, I tried to work hard and get better," said Arron. "I've always done that. It just took some years for my maturity, my confidence and everything. The more comfortable I feel on the court, the more confident I am. I really took a huge leap this summer. I've always worked on my game."
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