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DENVER - Josh Kroenkes slip of the tongue even made Arron Afflalo smirk. The Denver Nuggets president explained Monday how he has closely "Afflalowed" the shooting guards two seasons in Orlando, before reacquiring him in a draft-day deal last week. "Afflalowed? I have followed," Kroenke quickly modified to laughter, "Arrons career since he left here." Theres no mistaking this: Afflalo has developed more of an all-around game since the Nuggets dealt him to the Magic on Aug. 10, 2012, as part of the blockbuster four-team, 12-player deal that also involved Dwight Howard. Back then, Afflalo was viewed as a defensive specialist with a solid jumper. Now, hes got more of a shooters mentality. So much so that Kroenke introduced him as a "new Arron Afflalo." "Arron took a lot of steps in his own growth over the time he was here and has since taken more steps," Kroenke said. "Im proud to see him doing the things hes been doing down in Orlando." The 28-year-old Afflalo is coming off a season with Orlando in which he averaged career highs in points (18.2), rebounds (3.6) and assists (3.4). He also made 128 3-pointers. This season, he will be reunited in the backcourt with Ty Lawson, who was one of the first to congratulate him after the trade that sent promising young point guard Evan Fournier to the Magic, along with a pick. "I want to continue to improve as a player," Afflalo said. "Im going to do my job, work hard this summer to put myself in the best position." In some ways, Afflalo feels like he never really left the Nuggets as he always kept close tabs on his former team. And yet plenty has changed in his two-year absence. Namely, George Karl being replaced as coach by Brian Shaw. Afflalo is ready to take on whatever role Shaw has for him, whether its as a scorer or simply being Afflalo the leader. "My job is to make sure Im capable of getting that job done," Afflalo said. "I have no problem doing whatever coach asks of me." Thats the way he was with Karl, too. Afflalo couldve been a different type of player — more of a scorer, perhaps — in his first go-round with the Nuggets. But thats not what they needed, especially in the years when they had Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony on the floor. "There are probably a lot of things I probably could do back then," said Afflalo, who will wear No. 10 for Denver this season. "But its not my job to come in here and prove I could score points with the lineup I was starting with three years ago. "These days, Im a lot more confident all over the court, whether its posting up, shooting 3s, being available in the fourth quarter, being someone you can rely on in the fourth quarter." As for his defensive tenacity, that will always be a source of pride with him. "Thats part of being a complete player," he said. "I expect to be at a high level on both ends of the court." Anthony Gose Jersey . The club was unable to retain hitting coach Kevin Seitzer, who is bound for Atlanta. Seitzer replaces Greg Walker, who was assisted by Scott Fletcher this season as the Braves finished 79-83. Evan Gattis Jersey . The Twins announced Thursday the 28-year-old Albers cleared waivers. He will join the Hanwha Eagles of the Korea Baseball Organization. http://www.astrosteamproshop.com/Astros-Alex-Bregman-Kids-Jersey/ . Ronaldo failed to connect on an ample number of opportunities at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. But Karim Benzema and Jese Rodriguez scored in each half for Madrid to come out of the first leg with the firm advantage. Jose Altuve Jersey . -- Arizona pitcher Bronson Arroyo is expected to miss a week to 10 days because of a back injury. Lance McCullers Jersey . Louis, MO (SportsNetwork.Skateboarding is among five sports closing on a place in the Tokyo 2020 programme after all were praised for their collective dynamism by the Olympic programme commission. Surfing, karate, sports climbing and baseball/softball were recommended in June, along with skateboarding, for inclusion as a package of sports by the executive board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).A final decision will be announced in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday, two days before the opening ceremony for the 2016 Games in Rios Maracana Stadium. The programme commission verdict on Thursday gave nothing to suggest the IOC session in Brazil next week will not give final approval to what the organisation previously called the most comprehensive evolution of the Olympic programme in modern history.In a detailed report, assessing each sport, the progrramme commission labelled them a dynamic and exciting package that encompasses both traditional and emerging, youth-focused events, all of which are popular both in Japan and internationally.ddddddddddddThe IOC hopes to draw in new audiences by focusing on the youth-oriented sports, and said in a statement that also important was the impact on gender equality and legacy value.The five added sports would include 18 events and involve 474 athletes, the IOC has said.Existing Olympic sports are to be unaffected by the IOCs decision next Wednesday, with the five proposed new sports to sit alongside the 28 already on the programme for Tokyos second Olympics, and first since 1964. 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