Arron Afflalo, a professional basketball player known for his shooting prowess and defensive skills, began his NBA journey when he was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 2007 NBA Draft. Afflalo, a standout at UCLA, quickly adapted to the professional level, bringing his collegiate experience and work ethic to the Pistons. During his time in Detroit, he was primarily utilized as a role player, contributing off the bench with his reliable perimeter shooting and defensive capabilities.
In 2009, Afflalo was traded to the Denver Nuggets, where he found more opportunities to showcase his abilities. His tenure with the Nuggets marked a period of growth and increased responsibility. Afflalo became a regular starter and was often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best perimeter player. His offensive game also flourished, as he improved his scoring average and became a dependable three-point shooter. The 2010-2011 season was particularly noteworthy, as he averaged double figures in scoring for the first time in his career.
Afflalo's performance in Denver caught the attention of the Orlando Magic, who acquired him in a trade in 2012. With the Magic, Afflalo took on a leadership role and became one of the team's primary scoring options. The 2013-2014 season was a highlight of his career, as he averaged a career-high in points per game and demonstrated his ability to be a go-to scorer. His efforts earned him consideration for the NBA All-Star Game, although he was not selected.
In 2014, Afflalo returned to the Nuggets in a trade, but his second stint in Denver was short-lived. He was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2014-2015 season, where he provided veteran experience and shooting depth for a team making a playoff push. After his time in Portland, Afflalo signed with the New York Knicks in 2015. With the Knicks, he continued to be a steady presence on the court, contributing both as a starter and off the bench.
Afflalo's journey continued with the Sacramento Kings, where he signed in 2016. In Sacramento, he played a veteran role on a young team, offering guidance and experience to his teammates. His final NBA season came with the Orlando Magic in 2017-2018, bringing his career full circle with a return to one of his former teams.
Throughout his career, Arron Afflalo was known for his professionalism, work ethic, and ability to perform in various roles.
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