Spurs Select Kyle Anderson in the 2014 NBA Draft (30th Overall)

[Obstructed_View]

I don't know what the fuck game you guys are watching. He's got very good court vision, he makes smart plays with the ball, he's very physical without the ball, he's an absolute thief, and he's an aggressive and smart rebounder. He didn't shoot well, but he was checking Wiggins, who didn't look impressive today. Everyone on the team was a three-point-shooting black hole against the Cavs except Anderson.

[tholdren]

George Hill shot 8% in Vegas.
You're proving the point for Anderson doubters, George Hill is a TERRRRRIBLE point. I have really never understood how he is even in the league. His only attribute is that he sometimes plays defense. Cant shoot, cant dribble, cant pass....

Now on to Anderson. Game versus Cavs, he looked like shit. Lit up by Wiggins. Weak moves, and, as advertised, slow and anti-athletic. I know it's summer league, and doesnt mean much, but he looked bad. Deshaun Thomas looked much better, and there should be no way in hell he's a pro. Again, it's summer league but no one here can say KA looked like "lottery quality" based on anything he's done in the first couple games. For a smart guy with a high BB IQ how in the hell did he get no assists in 25 plus minutes? strange.

[xmas1997]

I don't know what the fuck game you guys are watching. He's got very good court vision, he makes smart plays with the ball, he's very physical without the ball, he's an absolute thief, and he's an aggressive and smart rebounder. He didn't shoot well, but he was checking Wiggins, who didn't look impressive today. Everyone on the team was a three-point-shooting black hole against the Cavs except Anderson.

I figured we were hearing lots of BS from people on here.
Thanks for the astute observations.

[tholdren]

I don't know what the fuck game you guys are watching. He's got very good court vision, he makes smart plays with the ball, he's very physical without the ball, he's an absolute thief, and he's an aggressive and smart rebounder. He didn't shoot well, but he was checking Wiggins, who didn't look impressive today. Everyone on the team was a three-point-shooting black hole against the Cavs except Anderson.

Wiggins is extremely overrated, blocked the shit out of KA.

And for as smart as you claim him to be how did he play 25 minutes with ZERO assists?

[Mel_13]

You're proving the point for Anderson doubters

No. Read the post I quoted.

[tholdren]

No. Read the post I quoted.

Gotcha.

[Obstructed_View]

Wiggins is extremely overrated, blocked the shit out of KA.

And for as smart as you claim him to be how did he play 25 minutes with ZERO assists?

Did you watch the game or are you making judgments off the box score? I said he makes smart plays with the ball. In order to make smart plays with the ball, you actually have to have the ball in your hands. He played small forward, checking Wiggins, with morons bringing up the ball and Daye reflexively jacking it up from long range as soon as he smelled leather. The Spurs shot three pointers or long jumpers off the dribble with more than 18 seconds on the clock for the majority of the first half, which is why they were down 20-3 or whatever. Anderson was the only guy attempting shots inside 12 feet, and scored the first time he touched the ball, which wasn't until almost five minutes into the game. The only other shot anywhere near the paint for the Spurs in the first quarter was the alley-oop to Green with less than 30 seconds to go.

Wiggins is a fucking good defender. There's a reason he went number one and is going to be the starting small forward for the Cavs. I'm really okay that the 30th pick in the draft held his own against him. He went 7 of 18 against Jabarri Parker and went 3-11 against KA. What were you expecting?

In the second half, he brought the ball up a couple of times, and the movement suddenly got better. Clyde Frazier even mentioned how settled down the offense finally looked.

I'd be much more concerned having Ayres on the roster going forward than I would be about Anderson.

[Obstructed_View]

Lit up by Wiggins.
3-11, scro. He hit two long jumpers to start the game and made one more basket the rest of the way. He did his damage at the free throw line, and Anderson had one foul.

[xmas1997]

Did you watch the game or are you making judgments off the box score? I said he makes smart plays with the ball. In order to make smart plays with the ball, you actually have to have the ball in your hands. He played small forward, checking Wiggins, with morons bringing up the ball and Daye reflexively jacking it up from long range as soon as he smelled leather. The Spurs shot three pointers or long jumpers off the dribble with more than 18 seconds on the clock for the majority of the first half, which is why they were down 20-3 or whatever. Anderson was the only guy attempting shots inside 12 feet, and scored the first time he touched the ball, which wasn't until almost five minutes into the game. The only other shot anywhere near the paint for the Spurs in the first quarter was the alley-oop to Green with less than 30 seconds to go.

Wiggins is a fucking good defender. There's a reason he went number one and is going to be the starting small forward for the Cavs. I'm really okay that the 30th pick in the draft held his own against him. He went 7 of 18 against Jabarri Parker and went 3-11 against KA. What were you expecting?

In the second half, he brought the ball up a couple of times, and the movement suddenly got better. Clyde Frazier even mentioned how settled down the offense finally looked.

I'd be much more concerned having Ayres on the roster going forward than I would be about Anderson.

Thanks again. I guess we saw the same game.
Not sure what they were watching.

[SouthernFried]

Did you watch the game or are you making judgments off the box score? I said he makes smart plays with the ball. In order to make smart plays with the ball, you actually have to have the ball in your hands. He played small forward, checking Wiggins, with morons bringing up the ball and Daye reflexively jacking it up from long range as soon as he smelled leather. The Spurs shot three pointers or long jumpers off the dribble with more than 18 seconds on the clock for the majority of the first half, which is why they were down 20-3 or whatever. Anderson was the only guy attempting shots inside 12 feet, and scored the first time he touched the ball, which wasn't until almost five minutes into the game. The only other shot anywhere near the paint for the Spurs in the first quarter was the alley-oop to Green with less than 30 seconds to go.

Wiggins is a fucking good defender. There's a reason he went number one and is going to be the starting small forward for the Cavs. I'm really okay that the 30th pick in the draft held his own against him. He went 7 of 18 against Jabarri Parker and went 3-11 against KA. What were you expecting?

In the second half, he brought the ball up a couple of times, and the movement suddenly got better. Clyde Frazier even mentioned how settled down the offense finally looked.

I'd be much more concerned having Ayres on the roster going forward than I would be about Anderson.

This.

[tholdren]

Did you watch the game or are you making judgments off the box score? I said he makes smart plays with the ball. In order to make smart plays with the ball, you actually have to have the ball in your hands. He played small forward, checking Wiggins, with morons bringing up the ball and Daye reflexively jacking it up from long range as soon as he smelled leather. The Spurs shot three pointers or long jumpers off the dribble with more than 18 seconds on the clock for the majority of the first half, which is why they were down 20-3 or whatever. Anderson was the only guy attempting shots inside 12 feet, and scored the first time he touched the ball, which wasn't until almost five minutes into the game. The only other shot anywhere near the paint for the Spurs in the first quarter was the alley-oop to Green with less than 30 seconds to go.

Wiggins is a fucking good defender. There's a reason he went number one and is going to be the starting small forward for the Cavs. I'm really okay that the 30th pick in the draft held his own against him. He went 7 of 18 against Jabarri Parker and went 3-11 against KA. What were you expecting?

In the second half, he brought the ball up a couple of times, and the movement suddenly got better. Clyde Frazier even mentioned how settled down the offense finally looked.

I'd be much more concerned having Ayres on the roster going forward than I would be about Anderson.

No I havent watched it yet, but will. So in 25 minutes he had, what 0 touches? 3 touches? For a former PG, and a high basketball IQ the only thing I saw(highlights) was his shit getting packed with a slow ass try in the paint. I will watch though. I just thought for a lottery talent he would have some better numbers, didnt mean to get you all hopped up.

And yes, Ayres needs to get the hell off the team. He's 27 and is still in Summer league

[montgod]

I agree with your take as well Obstructed. I thought KA had some very good active hands on defense. He could work on his offense a bit but I liked how he played otherwise.
Who can Spurs give a 2nd rounder to take Ayres off our hands lol?

[BatManu20]

There's no chance anyone takes Ayers in a trade IMO. We'd have to give up a pick to even entice a team. The league knows how bad he is.

[exstatic]

No I havent watched it yet, but will. So in 25 minutes he had, what 0 touches? 3 touches? For a former PG, and a high basketball IQ the only thing I saw(highlights) was his shit getting packed with a slow ass try in the paint. I will watch though. I just thought for a lottery talent he would have some better numbers, didnt mean to get you all hopped up.

And yes, Ayres needs to get the hell off the team. He's 27 and is still in Summer league

So, you watched some highlights, and feel qualified to speak to his NBA future. Plonk. Onto the ignore list with you.

[tholdren]

So, you watched some highlights, and feel qualified to speak to his NBA future. Plonk. Onto the ignore list with you.

you must have not learned how to inference properly in your schooling or TWENTY THREE THOUSAND posts.

[FireMicoHalili]

you must have not learned how to inference properly in your schooling or TWENTY THREE THOUSAND posts.
Naw man he's right. All the highlights they showed were Cavs highlights, and it would be unfair to adjudge Wiggins and/or Bennett stars in their own right too. Add to that Anderson played only 20+ minutes, I don't think you can expect same numbers he put up in college against slightly better competition. He's a lottery pick all right, but people's expectations for someone in that range are too lofty. Never seen anyone bitch about a rookie so much from one highlight, one summer league game, and a 30th overall pick at that. Only David Lee was notable at #30 in the past decade.

[Obstructed_View]

No I havent watched it yet, but will.
Ah.

So in 25 minutes he had, what 0 touches? 3 touches?
He didn't have very many. The ball movement was really horrid. He went like one for three in the first half and should have drawn a foul on one of his misses. The fact that he had one bad jumper in the game puts him miles ahead of everyone else on the roster. Did I mention that he was checking the number one pick in the draft and held him to an abysmal percentage without fouling him? Why the fuck do we care how many touches he had?


For a former PG, and a high basketball IQ
Operative word being "former"; he was the starting small forward. Does high basketball IQ mean stealing the ball from teammates that won't pass? Again, I'm not sure what you expect. He was given the toughest defensive assignment in the entire summer league, and he just went and did his job. That's very Spur-like to me.


the only thing I saw(highlights) was his shit getting packed with a slow ass try in the paint.
So you saw a highlight off NBATV. What you missed is that Wiggins had to block with his off hand as Anderson went up. It was a pretty amazing defensive play. Anderson had three steals, one turnover (the shoulder bump on Wiggins) and one personal foul. Not sure how you can't be impressed by that, unless, of course, you just judged him off one highlight and perusing the box score.


I will watch though. I just thought for a lottery talent he would have some better numbers,
It's pretty embarrassing to base your evaluation of him on numbers. Not sure why any Spurs fan would do something like that. Austin Daye was the fifteenth pick in the draft, has played on actual NBA teams for four years, and absolutely dominates the ball in summer league and still has embarrassing numbers.


didnt mean to get you all hopped up.
Sorry. People who make snap judgments with absolutely zero information to go on piss me off. I take the time to watch the games, sometimes more than once, rewinding to see who did what before I make judgments, and people reading on this forum might make the mistake of thinking you know what the fuck you're talking about. Guess that annoys me a bit. Sorry again for that.

[xmas1997]

OV, some of us on here like to reserve judgement. I lean more to the positive side of this though so I am a bit biased after watching lots of film of this kid and I think he will be special.
Thanks for taking the time to dissect these games.

[Hoops Czar]

3-11, scro. He hit two long jumpers to start the game and made one more basket the rest of the way. He did his damage at the free throw line, and Anderson had one foul.

Yes, Wiggins missed shots but it had nothing to do with KA's defense.

[Hoops Czar]

OV, some of us on here like to reserve judgement. I lean more to the positive side of this though so I am a bit biased after watching lots of film of this kid and I think he will be special.
Thanks for taking the time to dissect these games.

James Anderson kind of special? Malik hairston kind of special? Alonzo Gee kind of special? Dejuan Blair Kind of special? Nando De Colo kind of special? Jack McClinton kind of special? Ian Mahimni kind of special?

[Obstructed_View]

Yes, Wiggins missed shots but it had nothing to do with KA's defense.
All righty then.

[xmas1997]

James Anderson kind of special? Malik hairston kind of special? Alonzo Gee kind of special? Dejuan Blair Kind of special? Nando De Colo kind of special? Jack McClinton kind of special? Ian Mahimni kind of special?


You're really reaching there.
The only other player I ever said was special was Manu when he first came over. Watched lots of film of him at the time too.



All righty then.

:lol

[spurraider21]

Denmon hasn't progressed at all, has he

[Obstructed_View]

Denmon hasn't progressed at all, has he
Started to write more, but it's easier just to say no, he hasn't.

[siraulo23]

George Hill shot 8% in Vegas.

im not worried about his shot

he's just not athletic enough to beat defenders off the dribble, so his bball iq/passing ability wont mean much offensively, on the defensive end he's gonna be a huge liability

[Obstructed_View]

he's just not athletic enough to beat defenders off the dribble
Honestly, this is one of the dumbest fucking things I've ever read. Are you even a Spurs fan? When, in recent memory, have the Spurs relied on beating a defender off the dribble to create offense? Basketball IQ and ball movement are much more highly valued. Jezus.

[Mel_13]

im not worried about his shot

he's just not athletic enough to beat defenders off the dribble, so his bball iq/passing ability wont mean much offensively, on the defensive end he's gonna be a huge liability

I imagine that he'll spend most of the year in Austin. I'm reserving judgement until we see much more of him.

[siraulo23]

Honestly, this is one of the dumbest fucking things I've ever read. Are you even a Spurs fan? When, in recent memory, have the Spurs relied on beating a defender off the dribble to create offense? Basketball IQ and ball movement are much more highly valued. Jezus.

Lol, u really think the spurs offense would be as effective if the spurs players just pass the ball around the perimeter? Spurs attacked the paint, they won the ship because players like diaw etc... attacked the paint beating their guys closing out off the dribble when okc/heat trapped parker

you're really questioning whether or not i am a spurs fan because im not high on anderson? :lol

[ChumpDumper]

No I havent watched itcrofl

[tholdren]

Ah.

He didn't have very many. The ball movement was really horrid. He went like one for three in the first half and should have drawn a foul on one of his misses. The fact that he had one bad jumper in the game puts him miles ahead of everyone else on the roster. Did I mention that he was checking the number one pick in the draft and held him to an abysmal percentage without fouling him? Why the fuck do we care how many touches he had?

Because for all the nut-hugging that goes on here without actually watching the kid play in college, all I read is how great his IQ is, how great of a passer he is, former PG; one would assume if he got many touches he should at least have 1 assist in 20 plus minutes to go with his ST rep.


Operative word being "former"; he was the starting small forward. Does high basketball IQ mean stealing the ball from teammates that won't pass? Again, I'm not sure what you expect. He was given the toughest defensive assignment in the entire summer league, and he just went and did his job. That's very Spur-like to me.

Why is that the "operative word?" people on here seem to claim he ran the show at UCLA. We aren't talking about his defensive assignment, but if you want to go there, fine. He got the shit lit out of him on slow step-backs by a average-at-best jump shooter. Wiggins is extremely raw and unpolished, and wasn't even the best player on his team.


So you saw a highlight off NBATV. What you missed is that Wiggins had to block with his off hand as Anderson went up. It was a pretty amazing defensive play. Anderson had three steals, one turnover (the shoulder bump on Wiggins) and one personal foul. Not sure how you can't be impressed by that, unless, of course, you just judged him off one highlight and perusing the box score.
Yes, I saw the highlight, he took a slow, weak attempt and got blocked. You think that's not going to happen against polished and taller players? Again, I said I have watched quite a few of his college games, his first SL game, etc. And no, Im not impressed that he got blocked, but had 6 rebounds. That's not "lottery talent" to me.

It's pretty embarrassing to base your evaluation of him on numbers. Not sure why any Spurs fan would do something like that. Austin Daye was the fifteenth pick in the draft, has played on actual NBA teams for four years, and absolutely dominates the ball in summer league and still has embarrassing numbers.

You must have a problem with reading comprehension, but from a homer, it's right in line.

Sorry. People who make snap judgments with absolutely zero information to go on piss me off. I take the time to watch the games, sometimes more than once, rewinding to see who did what before I make judgments, and people reading on this forum might make the mistake of thinking you know what the fuck you're talking about. Guess that annoys me a bit. Sorry again for that.

I haven't made a snap decision, as stated before, I've watched him play several times, and I dont revert to shoulda-coulda-woulda. He played a shitty game, against inferior players. get over it.

[cd98]

Anderson is not Diaw. He has some similar skills, but he needs to bulk up to post down low. He's got similar skills as Diaw but he's too skinny to be effective right now. If you aren't faster then you have to be taller and stronger.

[tholdren]

I imagine that he'll spend most of the year in Austin. I'm reserving judgement until we see much more of him.
I would agree that it doesnt matter what he looks like now, in Austin, in blowouts, it only matters what he looks like playing with a "real" line-up, but it's still fun to rile the crowd.

[elbamba]

Anderson looked fine along with Thomas and Green. It was the rest of the scrubs, especially Daye and Ayres who just looked awful. Does anyone know if we are stuck with Daye's full contract?

[Darkwaters]

Anderson looked fine along with Thomas and Green. It was the rest of the scrubs, especially Daye and Ayres who just looked awful. Does anyone know if we are stuck with Daye's full contract?

Yes, all 1.25M of it

[Darkwaters]

Yes, Wiggins missed shots but it had nothing to do with KA's defense.

Anderson's defense was pretty putrid. He's going to have a lot of work to do to get passable.

[TXstbobcat]

Yes, all 1.25M of it


Can we still buy him out for the full amount to open up the extra roster spot?

[elbamba]

Yes, all 1.25M of it

Well that sucks. His problem is completely between the ears. But I am not sure anything can fix that four years into his career. I hope I am wrong.

[jyra]

Can we still buy him out for the full amount to open up the extra roster spot?

A buyout usually refers to a situation where the waived player agrees to take less than his actual salary to become a free agent and sign with another team (e.g. Boris Diaw). There is no reason for Daye to do that though.
So the Spurs would just waive him and pay him the full salary if they wanted to open up another roster spot.

[Darkwaters]

Can we still buy him out for the full amount to open up the extra roster spot?

If by "buy him out" you mean simply waive him and pay him his full salary then yes.

A buy out typically has a player leaving money on the table in order to leave the team and sign elsewhere. Daye might not be able to get another NBA gig if released, so he has no incentive to leave any money on the table.

[Raven]

they even showed a highlight of bennet making a long jumper, with what i thought was one of the worst shooting motions ever, just watch the body control he doesn't have, truly truly awful.

[TXstbobcat]

If by "buy him out" you mean simply waive him and pay him his full salary then yes.

A buy out typically has a player leaving money on the table in order to leave the team and sign elsewhere. Daye might not be able to get another NBA gig if released, so he has no incentive to leave any money on the table.


Thank you. Do you think the Spurs should waive him and pay him the full amount in order open up the extra roster spot?

[Ice009]

Can someone tell me if Diaw was slow when he first came into the league? I'm pretty sure that he wasn't, but one of the commentators tried making the comparison in the first game and saying that Diaw was slow when he first entered the league.

If you ask me, Diaw is still pretty quick when he wants to be, and I don't recall him being slow, as they were saying when he was younger. Do these guys just not know what the F they are talking about?

[Uriel]

The Diaw / Anderson comparisons are missing one key point. Coming into the draft, Diaw was one of the most athletic prospects out of the entire pool of players. Anderson? Not so much.

[Richie]

The Diaw / Anderson comparisons are missing one key point. Coming into the draft, Diaw was one of the most athletic prospects out of the entire pool of players. Anderson? Not so much.

This is the reason I soured on him in the run up to the draft. He's likely still a good value player at #30, but I just don't know how he will be able to see the floor in the NBA. Don't see how he guards anyone on the perimeter and he doesn't have Diaws size to bang in the post.

I'm not sure if you can ever call a pick a the end of the first round a 'bust' because expectations should rightfully be kept low, but I'm just not sure where he fits.

[Boomersgold]

Can someone tell me if Diaw was slow when he first came into the league? I'm pretty sure that he wasn't, but one of the commentators tried making the comparison in the first game and saying that Diaw was slow when he first entered the league.

If you ask me, Diaw is still pretty quick when he wants to be, and I don't recall him being slow, as they were saying when he was younger. Do these guys just not know what the F they are talking about?

No, Diaw wasn't near as slow as Anderson. Coming into the league, Diaw had average quickness/foot speed and above average athleticism or 'hops'. Anderson's going to have a tough time making it in the league. Even Nash was quicker than him.

[Obstructed_View]

Okay, I just watched the game again. Anderson checked Wiggins on all but four of his shots. Of those four, I think Embiid was checking him on three, one of which was at the end of the shot clock. Every jump shot was contested. If your expectation is that Anderson was supposed to be blocking Wiggins on jumpers, then you don't watch much basketball, because it's simply not something that happens very often. JaMychal Green blocked a jumper once in two games, and that kid is really athletic. You want them contested, which drops percentages dramatically, which means being nearby. Don't get lost, don't get screened. Contesting jumpers, he did his job.

There were a couple of times that Anderson played really close to Wiggins, and it was usually when there was a screener nearby. Anderson guessed wrong twice, resulting in Wiggins going hard to the basket the opposite direction and drawing fouls, and once, someone was wide open under the basket because nobody rotated. Let's put all three of those on Anderson, and it still was a pretty damn good defensive job. Anderson lost track of his man a couple of times against Sacramento and was out of position to contest threes. He did that zero times in game 2. His head was on a swivel, he always knew where Wiggins was, was in his pocket on cuts, and cheated away smartly, getting two steals, causing two more and getting a block.

He was not drafted to be a shut down defender, but from what I'm seeing so far, he plays super smart team defense and learns from his mistakes.

As far as looking like Diaw, he does. It's undeniable to me. I don't think that either of them are slow, but Diaw is an elite athlete and was characterized that way. That should tell you something. Anderson doesn't look hindered physically at all, and he doesn't look surprised by the speed and power of NBA competition the way some of his teammates do. He picks his spots like Diaw does and suddenly just goes and gets a rebound you don't expect him to, or he goes up and makes a block you didn't think he could. I think the reason he got his nickname is because of the way he plays, not because he's a terrible athlete. That little diagonal run to the basket he does seems like it takes forever, but he manages to get shots up with a guy hanging on his shoulder. It's very odd, and surprisingly effective. I imagine that was an unguardable move against college players.

[xmas1997]

Okay, I just watched the game again. Anderson checked Wiggins on all but four of his shots. Of those four, I think Embiid was checking him on three, one of which was at the end of the shot clock. Every jump shot was contested. If your expectation is that Anderson was supposed to be blocking Wiggins on jumpers, then you don't watch much basketball, because it's simply not something that happens very often. JaMychal Green blocked a jumper once in two games, and that kid is really athletic. You want them contested, which drops percentages dramatically, which means being nearby. Don't get lost, don't get screened. Contesting jumpers, he did his job.

There were a couple of times that Anderson played really close to Wiggins, and it was usually when there was a screener nearby. Anderson guessed wrong twice, resulting in Wiggins going hard to the basket the opposite direction and drawing fouls, and once, someone was wide open under the basket because nobody rotated. Let's put all three of those on Anderson, and it still was a pretty damn good defensive job. Anderson lost track of his man a couple of times against Sacramento and was out of position to contest threes. He did that zero times in game 2. His head was on a swivel, he always knew where Wiggins was, was in his pocket on cuts, and cheated away smartly, getting two steals, causing two more and getting a block.

He was not drafted to be a shut down defender, but from what I'm seeing so far, he plays super smart team defense and learns from his mistakes.

As far as looking like Diaw, he does. It's undeniable to me. I don't think that either of them are slow, but Diaw is an elite athlete and was characterized that way. That should tell you something. Anderson doesn't look hindered physically at all, and he doesn't look surprised by the speed and power of NBA competition the way some of his teammates do. He picks his spots like Diaw does and suddenly just goes and gets a rebound you don't expect him to, or he goes up and makes a block you didn't think he could. I think the reason he got his nickname is because of the way he plays, not because he's a terrible athlete. That little diagonal run to the basket he does seems like it takes forever, but he manages to get shots up with a guy hanging on his shoulder. It's very odd, and surprisingly effective. I imagine that was an unguardable move against college players.

I am really really glad you said this, especially the part I made bold.
I have been saying this all along after watching his highlight reels concerning his "supposed" suspect athleticism in being too slow.
The SloMo moniker really comes from "making the game look like he is playing the game in slow motion", rather than because he is some sort of terrible athlete or too slow IMHO.
Some of you out there need to grasp this concept, when the game itself seems to be moving in slow motion, which includes not only him, but also ALL the players around him, then the correct moves whether it be a pass, a shot, or a hand off, it becomes infinitely easier to make the right decision at the right time, he sees the floor.
I have not seen this type of ability since I used to watch Magic Johnson play, and consequently why some make comparisons of him to Magic, not just to Boris.
With the ball in his hands he becomes a facilitator and a creator.
He even said as much himself, that his being slow is overrated and somewhat exaggerated, plus he knows he needs to focus more on defense in San Antonio and looks forward to it with relish as has been reported in recent interviews.
And he says he is glad about that and will improve as he grasps the Spurs system which he believes he will quickly be able to do.
He already feels comfortable dissecting the Spurs offense even now and described one of Diaws' plays that he saw develop in the finals before anyone else saw it develop.
Plus Kyle Anderson has a couple of huge reputable fans even as he was coming out of high school with Lebron James and Kevin Durant who both said to keep an eye on this kid because he was going to be great.
That is some high praise and recommendation that no one should ignore.
We are seeing flashes of it in the summer league already as has been reported above by Obstructed View.
Thanks for covering this so well, O V.

[SnakeBoy]

Okay, I just watched the game again. Anderson checked Wiggins on all but four of his shots. Of those four, I think Embiid was checking him on three, one of which was at the end of the shot clock. Every jump shot was contested. If your expectation is that Anderson was supposed to be blocking Wiggins on jumpers, then you don't watch much basketball, because it's simply not something that happens very often. JaMychal Green blocked a jumper once in two games, and that kid is really athletic. You want them contested, which drops percentages dramatically, which means being nearby. Don't get lost, don't get screened. Contesting jumpers, he did his job.

There were a couple of times that Anderson played really close to Wiggins, and it was usually when there was a screener nearby. Anderson guessed wrong twice, resulting in Wiggins going hard to the basket the opposite direction and drawing fouls, and once, someone was wide open under the basket because nobody rotated. Let's put all three of those on Anderson, and it still was a pretty damn good defensive job. Anderson lost track of his man a couple of times against Sacramento and was out of position to contest threes. He did that zero times in game 2. His head was on a swivel, he always knew where Wiggins was, was in his pocket on cuts, and cheated away smartly, getting two steals, causing two more and getting a block.

He was not drafted to be a shut down defender, but from what I'm seeing so far, he plays super smart team defense and learns from his mistakes.

As far as looking like Diaw, he does. It's undeniable to me. I don't think that either of them are slow, but Diaw is an elite athlete and was characterized that way. That should tell you something. Anderson doesn't look hindered physically at all, and he doesn't look surprised by the speed and power of NBA competition the way some of his teammates do. He picks his spots like Diaw does and suddenly just goes and gets a rebound you don't expect him to, or he goes up and makes a block you didn't think he could. I think the reason he got his nickname is because of the way he plays, not because he's a terrible athlete. That little diagonal run to the basket he does seems like it takes forever, but he manages to get shots up with a guy hanging on his shoulder. It's very odd, and surprisingly effective. I imagine that was an unguardable move against college players.

Great post! I've been watching people post on how horrid his defense is and thinking wtf have they been watching. He's never going to be Kahwi but he doesn't look horrible on defense at all. As far as speed, I'm not comparing his game to Manu but he kind of has a similar awkward body movement style that makes him look like he's moving slower than he actually is. I think we'll see him crack the rotation this season, definitely not being sent down to the D league.

[spurraider21]

his slow release worries me more than his footspeed tbh. if he's able to accelerate his shot with the help of chip, i can see him being a turkoglu type (hopefully not including his choking act with the Spurs)

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

Anderson was crossing people over and cutting to the basket quite effectively. He surprised me with the spurts of speed he showed in the Sac game. It doesn't help playing w ball hogs trying to make the team or Daye going 1-8 on 3s. Anderson was able to get Daye quite a few open looks. If he hit them, Kyle could have finish the game with 8-9 assist.

He showed enough to me the first game that w better talent around him, he will be an effective player in the league.

[Obstructed_View]

his slow release worries me more than his footspeed tbh. if he's able to accelerate his shot with the help of chip, i can see him being a turkoglu type (hopefully not including his choking act with the Spurs)

I'd heard that, and I watched the first two games again to see if it's really that slow. First of all, on a team that has Matt Bonner, NOBODY should be worried about someone's shot speed. He takes a bit of time and uses his legs when there's nobody nearby, but he can put it up in a snap when he needs to. He had a couple of Brent Barry looking jumpers.

He's really interesting to watch because everything he does is a response to what he sees, and I keep coming away amazed at how good his vision is. He finds the space he needs, either by going to it, or by staying in it. He knows where people are going to be, which way they're going to turn, and how much time he needs to get himself or the ball there.

His nickname in college was Slow Mo, but he's not slow, he just doesn't need to move fast to do what he needs to do. We should call him Bullet Time.

[ace3g]

Kyle Anderson, A Spur All The Way
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=11220063

[SpursFan86]

Another reason not to be too worried about his slow release: Chip. I know some people exaggerate his abilities (he can't just magically turn anyone into Ray Allen), but I do have supreme confidence in his ability to tweak guys' releases. Kawhi had an ugly-ass shot coming into the league. Look at him now. I wouldn't be surprised if Anderson's shot speeds up a bit after working with Chip.

Keep in mind, the Spurs knew he had a slow release before drafting him. They most likely saw what was wrong, and Chip has an idea of how to tweak it to improve the release.

[Captivus]

Kyle Anderson, A Spur All The Way


http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=11220063

Are there NO hairdressers in San Antonio!?

[littlecoyotecoin]

Another reason not to be too worried about his slow release: Chip. I know some people exaggerate his abilities (he can't just magically turn anyone into Ray Allen), but I do have supreme confidence in his ability to tweak guys' releases. Kawhi had an ugly-ass shot coming into the league. Look at him now. I wouldn't be surprised if Anderson's shot speeds up a bit after working with Chip.

Keep in mind, the Spurs knew he had a slow release before drafting him. They most likely saw what was wrong, and Chip has an idea of how to tweak it to improve the release.

Chip came by my window at Whataburger during lunchtime rush. We exchanged pleasantries. After work, I did some plinking. Had three kills @ 1.5 miles on .50 cal. Never even fired a rifle before. He's amazing. Under-rated. I wish he had dined in.

[RD2191]

Chip came by my window at Whataburger during lunchtime rush. We exchanged pleasantries. After work, I did some plinking. Had three kills @ 1.5 miles on .50 cal. Never even fired a rifle before. He's amazing. Under-rated. I wish he had dined in.
:lol

[xmas1997]

I saw Steve Alford, UCLA head basketball coach on ESPN First Take this morning.
They asked him about his last season and about his three players who were taken in the first round of this years draft.
The first player he started talking about, and crowing over, was Kyle Anderson, saying he was the reason they got as far as they did in the tournament.
He said Kyle was one of those very rare basketball players that you only see once in a great while and compared him to Magic Johnson in IQ, height, passing savvy, and shooting savvy, that he instinctively knows where to be and what to do at the right time.
He said having a 6'9" PG was very fortunate for UCLA and that he was surprised that Kyle dropped all the way to the 30th pick, but that he couldn't have landed in a better team, that they were made for each other.
He mentioned that he advised Pop in their conversation to definitely try him out at PG, and that the knock on his being slow is greatly exaggerated, yet he would still have to work on his defense at the pro level, but that he would get it down pretty quickly.
He then talked about the other two UCLA players drafted, but he gushed over Anderson.

[littlecoyotecoin]

I saw Steve Alford, UCLA head basketball coach on ESPN First Take this morning.
They asked him about his last season and about his three players who were taken in the first round of this years draft.
The first player he started talking about, and crowing over, was Kyle Anderson, saying he was the reason they got as far as they did in the tournament.
He said Kyle was one of those very rare basketball players that you only see once in a great while and compared him to Magic Johnson in IQ, height, passing savvy, and shooting savvy, that he instinctively knows where to be and what to do at the right time.
He said having a 6'9" PG was very fortunate for UCLA and that he was surprised that Kyle dropped all the way to the 30th pick, but that he couldn't have landed in a better team, that they were made for each other.
He mentioned that he advised Pop in their conversation to definitely try him out at PG, and that the knock on his being slow is greatly exaggerated, yet he would still have to work on his defense at the pro level, but that he would get it down pretty quickly.
He then talked about the other two UCLA players drafted, but he gushed over Anderson.

Exaggerated...can't be talking about ST...

Parker dribbles too much...
Daye is a horrible shooter...
Kyle is so slow he can't stop because he hasn't started yet...
Marco is shittier than ulcerative colitis...

[littlecoyotecoin]

Kyle Anderson, A Spur All The Way


http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=11220063


https://once.unicornmedia.com/now/adaptive/m3u8/4d993388-8b49-4f34-9e48-87906e690281/85957be9-026a-415e-a8ce-7bfdc19d5e23/7f2c4c7f-743f-4a44-8f32-c7855e5abbba/content.m3u8?visitguid=ff56e205-13e6-4f60-9f26-db7a7eefefe5&UMADPARAMreferer=http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=11220063

Ace, your link didn't work for mobile viewers, but this one does. Should be same interview. It's hard not to fall in love with this kid.

[Obstructed_View]

I'm trying really hard not to use the M word to describe Kyle's game, but I sure keep thinking it when I watch him.

[littlecoyotecoin]

I'm trying really hard not to use the M word to describe Kyle's game, but I sure keep thinking it when I watch him.

I've used it once already, in a limited context. Have you seen his double spin move and dish video I posted?

[xmas1997]

I'm trying really hard not to use the M word to describe Kyle's game, but I sure keep thinking it when I watch him.

I know what you mean. I try to refrain from saying it too, but sometimes it just blurts out.
:lmao
But UCLA coach Steve Alford had no reservations saying it this morning to a nationwide TV audience.

[Obstructed_View]

I've used it once already, in a limited context. Have you seen his double spin move and dish video I posted?

https://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/855582568.gif

[xmas1997]

I've used it once already, in a limited context. Have you seen his double spin move and dish video I posted?

Yes, and who does that remind you of?
Dare I say it?
:lol

[Chinook]

I'm trying really hard not to use the M word to describe Kyle's game, but I sure keep thinking it when I watch him.

He may not be a bad defender, but he's no where near the level of Mbah a Moute.

[xmas1997]

He may not be a bad defender, but he's no where near the level of Mbah a Moute.

:lmao

[exstatic]

The one thing that I noticed in watching his highlights is that many of his UCLA teammates were often surprised by the passes he threw to them. The Spurs players, many of whom played with Manu for some time, likely will NEVER be.

[lmbebo]

Just out of curiosity, how athletic was Magic as a rookie?

[littlecoyotecoin]

Just out of curiosity, how athletic was Magic as a rookie?

Magic and Diaw were both probably considerably more athletic, but it is difficult to quantify some aspects as I am unaware of lane agility tests, etc for Magic's era. And, Anderson refused to do them pre-draft because he thought the focus on his times would distract from his positives and hurt his draft position. Sort of an admission that they would be bad, but since they weren't done, it leaves some plausible deniability. I could be wrong about that, too, but I am pretty sure I read that somewhere.

[Seventyniner]

The one thing that I noticed in watching his highlights is that many of his UCLA teammates were often surprised by the passes he threw to them. The Spurs players, many of whom played with Manu for some time, likely will NEVER be.

Unless it's Ayers trying to catch them. He seems surprised by every pass he gets.

[littlecoyotecoin]

Unless it's Ayers trying to catch them. He seems surprised by every pass he gets.

Glass half full, he never gets sick.

[BillMc]

I've seen no SL games. So I came on here to get a quick summary of how Anderson is doing, and, well...he's either the next Magic Johnson or never going to make an NBA roster, depending on who I believe! :)

My own fault for being too busy/lazy to watch the games, but it's still impossible to know how he's doing based on the variety of opinions on this thread. :lol

[Mel_13]

I've seen no SL games. So I came on here to get a quick summary of how Anderson is doing, and, well...he's either the next Magic Johnson or never going to make an NBA roster, depending on who I believe! :)

My own fault for being too busy/lazy to watch the games, but it's still impossible to know how he's doing based on the variety of opinions on this thread. :lol

Not really surprising. We're more than ten years down the road and can't form consensus opinions on Tony and Manu.

[BillMc]

Not really surprising. We're more than ten years down the road and can't form consensus opinions on Tony and Manu.

Ha ha! Truer words were never spoken.

Fortunately this forum has finally gotten over "Scola" threads, if not quite Bonner hate.

[xmas1997]

Not really surprising. We're more than ten years down the road and can't form consensus opinions on Tony and Manu.

This is the truth if there ever was one.

[Interrohater]

Not really surprising. We're more than ten years down the road and can't form consensus opinions on Tony and Manu.

There are rare situations where we have all agreed. He who shall not be named and the Centerpiece. Otherwise, you're absolutely right. In any event, we have never agreed on how good players are, only how bad they are. :lol

[Obstructed_View]

I've seen no SL games. So I came on here to get a quick summary of how Anderson is doing, and, well...he's either the next Magic Johnson or never going to make an NBA roster, depending on who I believe! :)

My own fault for being too busy/lazy to watch the games, but it's still impossible to know how he's doing based on the variety of opinions on this thread. :lol

I didn't think I'd missed a page of this thread, but obviously I missed where anyone said he was the next Magic Johnson. It was his own college coach, Bill Walton and Dick Vitale that have made that comparison. In addition, I've yet to see anyone who actually admitted to watching the games who says he's never going to make an NBA roster. I'd wager that I've spent about as much time watching him play as anyone over the last couple of weeks, and I think he's going to be a solid pro, which is about all you can reasonably hope for from the last pick in the first round.

If you want to know how he's doing, you might filter out the opinions of the people who don't' watch the games. He has great vision and an impressive knowledge of the game, which gives him an advantage that mitigates his limited athleticism. He's not putting up amazing numbers because he's playing small forward and his teammates have done a good job of moving the ball in one out of three games.

[xmas1997]

I didn't think I'd missed a page of this thread, but obviously I missed where anyone said he was the next Magic Johnson. It was his own college coach, Bill Walton and Dick Vitale that have made that comparison. In addition, I've yet to see anyone who actually admitted to watching the games who says he's never going to make an NBA roster. I'd wager that I've spent about as much time watching him play as anyone over the last couple of weeks, and I think he's going to be a solid pro, which is about all you can reasonably hope for from the last pick in the first round.

If you want to know how he's doing, you might filter out the opinions of the people who don't' watch the games. He has great vision and an impressive knowledge of the game, which gives him an advantage that mitigates his limited athleticism. He's not putting up amazing numbers because he's playing small forward and his teammates have done a good job of moving the ball in one out of three games.

This is true, some of us are actually watching the games and posting analytical reviews like Obstructed_View, and others of us have watched countless interviews, highlight reels and read other interviews and critiques.
And then there are those who post opinions based on nothing, having neither seen nor read anything.
It is pretty easy to sift the wheat from the chaff.

[Obstructed_View]

People excited about Kyle Anderson
Bill Walton "He's a comet shooting across the universe in the Pacific Northwest."
Dick Vitale “Should be a lock top 15 – Kyle is a mini version of MagicJohnson & that is high praise.”
Bob Hurley Sr "Modern-day Magic Johnson"
Bobby Hurley "If you think about what his potential is and his upside is, I think it's as high as any player who has stepped in the door,”
Lebron James "One of the next big things in basketball."
Kevin Durant "The best player in the country."

People less than excited about Kyle Anderson
Tholdren "I haven't watched (the game) yet."
Richie "I soured on him in the run up to the draft."


Probably waiting until the end of summer league to either hang his jersey in the rafters or to trade him to the Phoenix Mercury would be the best plan. ;)

[xmas1997]

People excited about Kyle Anderson
Bill Walton "He's a comet shooting across the universe in the Pacific Northwest."
Dick Vitale “Should be a lock top 15 – Kyle is a mini version of MagicJohnson & that is high praise.”
Bob Hurley Sr "Modern-day Magic Johnson"
Bobby Hurley "If you think about what his potential is and his upside is, I think it's as high as any player who has stepped in the door,”
Lebron James "One of the next big things in basketball."
Kevin Durant "The best player in the country."

People less than excited about Kyle Anderson
Tholdren "I haven't watched (the game) yet."
Richie "I soured on him in the run up to the draft."


Probably waiting until the end of summer league to either hang his jersey in the rafters or to trade him to the Phoenix Mercury would be the best plan. ;)

Lets not forget some of the things Steve Alford UCLA head basketball coach had to say: “He’s unique because there just aren’t a lot of guys that size who can play the point, ... You look at his numbers, as far as how much he has the ball in his hands, his assists, his turnovers and he’s shooting the ball much better. I just think he’s a unique player that you don’t see very often. To have a 6-9 point guard, I know it’s helped us because you make people think about how they’re going to match up to you right away having a guy like that.”

[Mel_13]

Ken Rodriguez piece on Kyle (including a San Antonio connection):

http://www.nba.com/spurs/features/140713_kyle_anderson_family_athletes

[xmas1997]

Ken Rodriguez piece on Kyle (including a San Antonio connection):

http://www.nba.com/spurs/features/140713_kyle_anderson_family_athletes

Wow, Mel, great find, fantastic article!
Props to you!

[look_at_g_shred]

My nigga KA

[Hoops Czar]

I have no idea where these quotes are coming from, but Magic Johnson? Magic posted a 10.5 WS and a .180 WS/48 his rookie season. There's a reason he was the number one overall pick in the 1979 draft. I haven't seen that out of KA but since Kevin Durant thinks he's the best player in the country, and KD has no reason to lie about that, I'm going to keep my eyes wide open when he takes the court. My expectations for this can't miss phenom are through the roof for this kid. I just hope he can live up to all this hype.

[Obstructed_View]

I posted who said those quotes. Took like 2 minutes to find. I would really recommend watching him play rather than relying on the opinions of posters who haven't tuned into summer league yet.

[xmas1997]

I have no idea where these quotes are coming from, but Magic Johnson? Magic posted a 10.5 WS and a .180 WS/48 his rookie season. There's a reason he was the number one overall pick in the 1979 draft. I haven't seen that out of KA but since Kevin Durant thinks he's the best player in the country, and KD has no reason to lie about that, I'm going to keep my eyes wide open when he takes the court. My expectations for this can't miss phenom are through the roof for this kid. I just hope he can live up to all this hype.

Some have used the M word to describe him, but that may be a reach. Magic was one of a kind in my book, still you should check this kid out, he may surprise you.
I, too, hope he lives up to the hype, it would bode well for the Spurs.

[SpursFan86]

Comparing him to Magic doesn't mean that we're expecting him to be the next Magic lol. I seriously doubt anyone here is predicting KA will end up being a 3-time FMVP HoF point guard. Some people are just pointing out that the similarites in both of their games.

[slick'81]

Is he as talented as magic overall no but at 6'8 and likes playing the 1-2 u can't help but make comparisons.by the way he's probably closer athletically to magic then diaw when they first came in the league

[Dex]

Not really surprising. We're more than ten years down the road and can't form consensus opinions on Tony and Manu.

:rollin

[Obstructed_View]

Magic didn't dominate people with his speed or quickness, he used his length and vision, and later, his bulk. I'm not counting future MVP trophies any more than anyone else, but he does have some basketball skills that should allow him to function in the NBA. Worst case for him going forward is that he becomes a Euroleague legend.

[SpursFan86]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2131838-rc-buford-robinson-duncan-set-the-bar-high-for-spurs-rookie-kyle-anderson

[tholdren]

Magic and Diaw were both probably considerably more athletic, but it is difficult to quantify some aspects as I am unaware of lane agility tests, etc for Magic's era. And, Anderson refused to do them pre-draft because he thought the focus on his times would distract from his positives and hurt his draft position. Sort of an admission that they would be bad, but since they weren't done, it leaves some plausible deniability. I could be wrong about that, too, but I am pretty sure I read that somewhere.

100% true

[HI-FI]

^ :lol
fkn kent

[kobyz]

Some have used the M word to describe him, but that may be a reach. Magic was one of a kind in my book, still you should check this kid out, he may surprise you.
I, too, hope he lives up to the hype, it would bode well for the Spurs.

Maybe they compare him to Aids Magic, not pre Aids Magic...

[spurraider21]

^ :lol
fkn kent
:lol

[xmas1997]

Maybe they compare him to Aids Magic, not pre Aids Magic...

You must not know much about Sean Elliott because he compares him to a "poor-mans Magic Johnson after watching him play a few times in college last year and says he will easily break into the rotation this year!

[kobyz]

You must not know much about Sean Elliott because he compares him to a "poor-mans Magic Johnson after watching him play a few times in college last year and says he will easily break into the rotation this year!

i surely hope he could become our backup 3 next season, i cheer for him, i loved seeing him play at college, he is such a unique player, but that is also the reason i feel he is two years away from being effective nba player, usually players who have a unique skills and some phisical limitations it takes them time to translate their game to the big league and feeling comfortable...

[xmas1997]

i surely hope he could become our backup 3 next season, i cheer for him, i loved seeing him play at college, he is such a unique player, but that is also the reason i feel he is two years away from being effective nba player, usually players who have a unique skills and some phisical limitations it takes them time to translate their game to the big league...

Generally this is because they rely too much on pure athleticism IMHO.
They sure as hell don't have his basketball smarts.
He might well be the smartest player on the Spurs right now.

[ABC]

He might well be the smartest player on the Spurs right now.

You might want to edit that before someone else comes in here and reads it... Oops, too late. I quoted it.

[Obstructed_View]

You might want to edit that before someone else comes in here and reads it... Oops, too late. I quoted it.

Did anyone else on the Spurs have Anderson's basketball IQ at 20? Maybe Boris. It's not all that outrageous. There may be other things that derail Anderson's career, but basketball smarts is not one of them.

[pgardn]

Did anyone else on the Spurs have Anderson's basketball IQ at 20? Maybe Boris. It's not all that outrageous. There may be other things that derail Anderson's career, but basketball smarts is not one of them.

Seconded.
The kid is very comfortable with the game.

[ABC]

Did anyone else on the Spurs have Anderson's basketball IQ at 20? Maybe Boris. It's not all that outrageous. There may be other things that derail Anderson's career, but basketball smarts is not one of them.

Moving the goal posts. xmas1997 claimed Anderson is the smartest player on the Spurs "right now." That's laughable. You're suggesting if we compare all the current Spurs players at age 20 to Anderson at age 20, Anderson might have the highest basketball IQ. It's not out of the realm of possibility. I certainly wouldn't have called xmas1997 out if he'd made that statement.

I really like Anderson and as a Spurs fan am very excited to see what he can do this year, if he gets court time. I also enjoyed reading your takes on him from summer league (and other posters' takes who had the opportunity to watch the games). I just don't want to see the Anderson fan club derailed by hyperbole.

[xmas1997]

Moving the goal posts. xmas1997 claimed Anderson is the smartest player on the Spurs "right now." That's laughable. You're suggesting if we compare all the current Spurs players at age 20 to Anderson at age 20, Anderson might have the highest basketball IQ. It's not out of the realm of possibility. I certainly wouldn't have called xmas1997 out if he'd made that statement.

I really like Anderson and as a Spurs fan am very excited to see what he can do this year, if he gets court time. I also enjoyed reading your takes on him from summer league (and other posters' takes who had the opportunity to watch the games). I just don't want to see the Anderson fan club derailed by hyperbole.

Nor do I.

[ABC]

Nor do I.

You really think Anderson has a higher basketball IQ than Tim Duncan right now? Manu Ginobili? Tony Parker? Boris Diaw?

[xmas1997]

You really think Anderson has a higher basketball IQ than Tim Duncan right now? Manu Ginobili? Tony Parker? Boris Diaw?

No, I don't, but I do think he has one of the highest even at age 20. He can only improve with these guys. He couldn't ask for a better situation.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

It would be great if SloMo could contribute this year, but he is so slight that I think it'll be at least a couple of years before he is adjusted to the size and strength of NBA players. Hope I'm wrong.

[xmas1997]

It would be great if SloMo could contribute this year, but he is so slight that I think it'll be at least a couple of years before he is adjusted to the size and strength of NBA players. Hope I'm wrong.

Same here.

[ABC]

No, I don't, but I do think he has one of the highest even at age 20. He can only improve with these guys. He couldn't ask for a better situation.

I'm with you. I just thought your initial statement was a bit much. Keep pushing Anderson. It makes the offseason more fun :toast

[xmas1997]

I'm with you. I just thought your initial statement was a bit much. Keep pushing Anderson. It makes the offseason more fun :toast

I didn't mean to imply that he was definitely the smartest player on the team, but one of them, and who knows, he could be that too.

[littlecoyotecoin]

Moving the goal posts. xmas1997 claimed Anderson is the smartest player on the Spurs "right now." That's laughable. You're suggesting if we compare all the current Spurs players at age 20 to Anderson at age 20, Anderson might have the highest basketball IQ. It's not out of the realm of possibility. I certainly wouldn't have called xmas1997 out if he'd made that statement.

I really like Anderson and as a Spurs fan am very excited to see what he can do this year, if he gets court time. I also enjoyed reading your takes on him from summer league (and other posters' takes who had the opportunity to watch the games). I just don't want to see the Anderson fan club derailed by hyperbole.

Spot on.

[ace3g]

495964383630340096

[littlecoyotecoin]

495964383630340096

Hopefully he can do that in game situations at a high percentage. I look forward to him doing it during games and watching Pop's aorta pop. Good times. We will need a new shot category, 2%, 3%, FT%, bounce shot %.

[xmas1997]

Spot on.

I actually did amend my self admitted over exaggerated statement in a later post (#613) to: I believe he is "ONE" of the smartest players on the team, and not "THE" smartest player, although I would not be surprised if he was.
That is what I meant to say and should have said the first time.
The words I did use in post #603 was that he "might well be", not that he definitely was.
"Might be", is a long way from "being without any doubts" IMHO
Sorry for the confusion that led to so many misconceptions, my bad.

[littlecoyotecoin]

I actually did amend my self admitted over exaggerated statement in a later post (#613) to: I believe he is "ONE" of the smartest players on the team, and not "THE" smartest player, although I would not be surprised if he was.
That is what I meant to say and should have said the first time.
The words I did use in post #603 was that he "might well be", not that he definitely was.
"Might be", is a long way from "being without any doubts" IMHO
Sorry for the confusion that led to so many misconceptions, my bad.

No biggie, buddy! We have some smart players. The original, unamended statement was a little bit of a slap in the face, and Anderson has yet to play a single NBA game. I am a fan of his, and rooting for him. Just wanted to be fair ;)

[xmas1997]

No biggie, buddy! We have some smart players. The original, unamended statement was a little bit of a slap in the face, and Anderson has yet to play a single NBA game. I am a fan of his, and rooting for him. Just wanted to be fair ;)

Thanks, and I agree with you.

[Chinook]

The Spurs don't have low-IQ players on their team. Any one of them is likely to have the highest BBIQ on half of the other teams in the league. Even a player like Ayres has a high IQ. He just can't catch.

As far as that Vine vid goes, it doesn't really surprise me for two reasons: The first is that that is not really that hard of a shot to make if you have infinite tries at it. The second is that Anderson has an exceptional concept of angles. He's going to need that more than ever when he faces real NBA talent.

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BuIn71qIAAI6qak.jpg:large

[Robz4000]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BuIn71qIAAI6qak.jpg:large

:lol the fuck is going on here?

[ace3g]

Today is NBA Rookie Photo Shoot

[littlecoyotecoin]

:lol the fuck is going on here?

Anderson is so slow, when he began that jump, there was an asphalt court underneath him.

[Obstructed_View]

The Spurs don't have low-IQ players on their team. Any one of them is likely to have the highest BBIQ on half of the other teams in the league. Even a player like Ayres has a high IQ. He just can't catch.

As far as that Vine vid goes, it doesn't really surprise me for two reasons: The first is that that is not really that hard of a shot to make if you have infinite tries at it. The second is that Anderson has an exceptional concept of angles. He's going to need that more than ever when he faces real NBA talent.
Looks like he did this at the dunk contest, so he probably had one shot at it.

[Raven]

The Spurs don't have low-IQ players on their team. Any one of them is likely to have the highest BBIQ on half of the other teams in the league. Even a player like Ayres has a high IQ. He just can't catch.

As far as that Vine vid goes, it doesn't really surprise me for two reasons: The first is that that is not really that hard of a shot to make if you have infinite tries at it. The second is that Anderson has an exceptional concept of angles. He's going to need that more than ever when he faces real NBA talent.

i see you don't consider belinelli as our player, i like your attitude.

[xmas1997]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2067925-kyle-anderson-drafted-by-san-antonio-spurs-latest-news-reaction-and-analysis

Kyle Anderson Drafted by San Antonio Spurs: Latest News, Reaction and Analysis
By Tim Keeney , Featured Columnist
Jun 26, 2014

No one seems to know exactly where Kyle Anderson will fit best in the NBA, which might be seen as a negative in some circles, but that versatility was enough to pique the interest of the San Antonio Spurs.

Gregg Popovich and his staff selected the UCLA sophomore with the 30th pick in the first round of Thursday's 2014 NBA draft, ending months of speculation surrounding arguably the most unique—and difficult to peg—prospect in this year's class.

The 20-year-old floor general enjoyed a dominant individual season in 2013-14, averaging 14.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.8 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. He shot 48 percent from the field, 48.3 percent from beyond the arc and finished with a sparkling true-shooting percentage of 55.2, per sports-reference.com.

According to bbstate.com, the All-Pac-12 First-Teamer finished in the top 15 in the conference in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, assist-to-turnover ratio, rebounding percentage, assist percentage and steal percentage—a remarkable testament to his rare all-around talent.

You just don't often find players with Anderson's makeup—a 6'8.5" ball-handler with length (7'2.75" wingspan, per draftexpress.com), elite passing ability and production to back it up.

Although he mostly ran the show at UCLA, he could conceivably play four different positions. Is he a point guard? Is he a stretch 4? Is he better suited on the wing?

As The Sacramento Bee's Jason Jones noted, he's willing to adapt:

A lack of foot speed and athleticism for the man aptly nicknamed "Slo-Mo" after his deliberate pace soured many scouts and pundits leading up to the draft, but Anderson doesn't see that as a problem at the next level.

"People who really know basketball know that being athletic is not everything you need," he told the Chicago Tribune's Rich Mayor. "(They) see I can play, and that's really what matters at the next level."

In three years, Kyle Anderson will be...
an All-Star, a solid starter, (and) an important role player.

Added Anderson, who pairs a crafty "old-man's game" with arguably the best vision and passing skills in this draft to great success, to Chris Foster of the Los Angeles Times: "My slow, methodical game wasn't going to work at the college level. (Yet) I pretty much do whatever I want on the court this season."

While Anderson's speed, especially on the defensive end, may be a concern, it likely comes down to how Popovich uses him. He has drawn a lot of comparisons to Boris Diaw, and everyone saw just how valuable the Frenchman was in the San Antonio Spurs' everyone-can-pass system.

There's a pretty high floor here. The worst-case scenario is Anderson becomes a role player—a key cog on a good team who can see over the defense, distribute and initiate offense from anywhere on the court and knock down open threes.

The best-case scenario, though, is Anderson's unique combination of frame and skill set causing major problems for defenders, earning Slo-Mo the distinction as a dangerous playmaker who fills up the box score.

The defending champs continue plugging away with high-IQ athletes who they groom into superstars. Anderson could very well be the latest in a long line of players to reach their potential in the Spurs' system.

Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker won't be around forever, but Anderson, Leonard and the future of the Spurs looks far from bleak.

[mrtxstar]

I predict great things for KA as a Spur. With some coaching up from Pop and help from his great team mates... the sky is the limit for this kid. Well, that may not be exactly true but he has great potential to be consistently amazing.

[xmas1997]

UCLA's Kyle Anderson Drafted by the Champions, Going 30th Overall


http://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla_basketball/2014/6/26/5844972/uclas-kyle-anderson-drafted-overall-by-the


By IE Angel on Jun 26 2014, 7:50p 23
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Spor



All-Pac-12 and All-American Kyle Anderson is selected 30th overall by the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs get a true champion to add to their championship ways!

UCLA gets multiple first round picks in the NBA Draft once again as Kyle "Slow-Mo" Anderson is selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 30th overall pick, the final selection of the first round but one of the best fits. Anderson was 1st team All-Pac-12 in the 2013-2014 season, averaging 14.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 6.5 assists and was the only player in the NCAA with numbers that high in all three categories. Broke a ton of UCLA records in his two seasons as a Bruin and deserved a far better fate in both season than he received.

Anybody who claims to know how Kyle Anderson is going to perform in the NBA is insane because there haven't been any players like him in the NBA before. He could develop into a player similar to Lamar Odom, exploiting size mismatches as a point forward. He could be completely overwhelmed by being defended and having to attack against players far more athletic than him and end up as a borderline rotation player. He could be a poor man's Magic Johnson and be an All-Star a few times as a 6'8" point guard.

No matter what Kyle does in San Antonio, he'll work his tail off and make Bruin fans proud of his career. Specifically in San Antonio where he will get to show his great creating and passing skills. He will get to work with the best coach out there who will find a way to bring out his best. Another Ginobili? Diaw? Or just Kyle!

[xmas1997]

Elliott: Spurs will be a target next season

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2014/07/27/elliott-spurs-will-be-a-target-next-season/

Kyle “Magic” Anderson?

It’s not often Elliott jumps for joy during the NBA draft, but that’s what happened when the Spurs picked Kyle Anderson in the first round in June.

Elliott said he watched Anderson a few times during his last season at UCLA and was impressed.
Anderson is coming off his first Summer League stint with the Spurs in Las Vegas, where he started six games, averaging 8.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists.

“I keep telling everybody around me that we got the steal of the draft in Kyle Anderson,” Elliott said. “He’s a terrific player. I saw him play three times last year in college, and he fits (the Spurs) system perfectly. He’s a 6-9 poor man’s Magic Johnson.”

Elliott confessed the night of the draft he got off his “couch and yelled. That’s how excited I am. We’re going to be a lot of fun next year.”

With the mix of youth and veterans, Elliott thinks the Spurs’ run is far from over.

Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker are in the last year of their contracts. Some thought Duncan and Ginobili would call it quits, but both decided to return for at least one more year.

With Anderson in the fold and an improved Kawhi Leonard, Elliott doesn’t see Duncan and Ginobili retiring quite yet.

Said Elliott: “I just think and believe that we’re going to be good for a long time.

[tholdren]

You really think Anderson has a higher basketball IQ than Tim Duncan right now? Manu Ginobili? Tony Parker? Boris Diaw?
some of the guys on here think that players are born with innate magical abilities; "either you have it or you dont"

they dont understand work; that's a generational thing

[Obstructed_View]

If only he could eat magic food that changed his DNA and made him a better leaper.

[ChumpDumper]

He should eat whatever mutated Bryce Cotton.

[Yuixafun]

You might say he has the best basketball acumen...

The way he perceives the game, depth of understanding... from being around the game his whole life...

But smarts to me... is like applied intelligence mixed with experience and how you use all that, during the moment.


Duncan has a lifetime of profesional basketball under his belt, a Wealth of years honing his craft....... to say that Kyle Anderson has more Basketball smarts than Duncan is.. just wrong.

There are things Duncan does, that KA probably doesn't even know is possible...

He might have that feel for the game right now, but translating that into something tangible, kid still has to figure it out.

[xmas1997]

You might say he has the best basketball acumen...

The way he perceives the game, depth of understanding... from being around the game his whole life...

But smarts to me... is like applied intelligence mixed with experience and how you use all that, during the moment.


Duncan has a lifetime of profesional basketball under his belt, a Wealth of years honing his craft....... to say that Kyle Anderson has more Basketball smarts than Duncan is.. just wrong.

There are things Duncan does, that KA probably doesn't even know is possible...

He might have that feel for the game right now, but translating that into something tangible, kid still has to figure it out.

I don't think anyone is making that claim, rather that the potential is there, and the possibility exists, but nothing concrete and etched in stone.

[Yuixafun]

I don't think anyone is making that claim, rather that the potential is there, and the possibility exists, but nothing concrete and etched in stone.

Originally Posted by xmas1997
He might well be the smartest player on the Spurs right now.

??


Ok NVM... I just jumped into the middle of that train.

I see where you clarified your meaning etc..

[skulls138]

Tim, Tony, Manu and Diaw all have physical gifts to go along with their smarts. I tell you one thing, he better become a successful 3 point shooter and I hope his supposed rebounding skills translate because hes not going to make it just on passing and theyre not just going to let him handle the ball all the time.

[ace3g]

http://photos-b.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/10387924_1459298007687505_988685985_n.jpg

[Yuixafun]

Tim, Tony, Manu and Diaw all have physical gifts to go along with their smarts. I tell you one thing, he better become a successful 3 point shooter and I hope his supposed rebounding skills translate because hes not going to make it just on passing and theyre not just going to let him handle the ball all the time.

You just made me think... you know how their is that category of player called a 3 and D guy.... like Green... maybe KA will become like the Flip Side of that.

[Obstructed_View]

Tim, Tony, Manu and Diaw all have physical gifts to go along with their smarts. I tell you one thing, he better become a successful 3 point shooter and I hope his supposed rebounding skills translate because hes not going to make it just on passing and theyre not just going to let him handle the ball all the time.

You guys really need to stop judging a player you haven't watched by a nickname you've misinterpreted.

[Chinook]

You just made me think... you know how their is that category of player called a 3 and D guy.... like Green... maybe KA will become like the Flip Side of that.

2 and O? That seems terrible. Looking at the Spurs' roster, I think they intend for him to be the backup two-guard long term with LJC and Bertans to go along with Daye and Thomas, the backup three spot is well covered. I think he may be Manu's heir apparent. Let's hope so, because the Spurs are going to need a bench general going forward.

[Spursfanfromafar]

I think he may be Manu's heir apparent. Let's hope so, because the Spurs are going to need a bench general going forward.

That is exactly what I think would be the best case scenario (and it is within the realm of possibility) for Anderson. When he was selected at 30, it was the first thought that came to my mind. Vastly different players - him and Manu - but as a longish PG anchoring the bench there are more than a few similarities. Anderson is a classic sixth man in a team structured like the Spurs.

[look_at_g_shred]

KA has the most important tool you can have.... High BBIQ. Sure it's nice to have athleticism, but what happens when you rely on it so much and then one day you don't have it?? Why do you think Duncan has been able to sustain a high level of play this late in his career? I read somewhere, that he sees the game in a three dribble mode or something like that. The dude is methodical, and that can be deadlier than dunking over someone every now and then... I'm really excited to see the growth of KA in front of our eyes. I really want to see how he's fares against NBA caliber competition. It definitely will be a learning process, but he looks like the type of player who learns off the fly, who learns from his mistakes quickly. It's funny how the Spurs always end up with players who seem like they were made for the team.

[FireMicoHalili]

wouldn't put a lot of expectations on the kid, not until his second year.

[RD2191]

Lets not set our expectations too high. He dropped to 30 for a reason. I can see him struggling a bit his first year. He isn't just gonna come in and be the next Boris Diaw. But with time, he should find a good role off of the bench.

[FireMicoHalili]

what if he leapfrogs Daye in the depth chart though?

[spurraider21]

what if he leapfrogs Daye in the depth chart though?
at this point my hope is that an empty roster spot leapfrogs Daye aka he gets waived

[littlecoyotecoin]

what if he leapfrogs Daye in the depth chart though?

Stir the pot.

[FireMicoHalili]

Stir the pot.
Snark fails to impress, it's possible and I'm sure you're aware of that. Not that it's a feat because there isn't much to work with. Always fun to see rooks giving vets a run for their money. You're probably the only one arguing for Daye anyway. Won't be settled til the season starts so forum banter is counter-productive at this point. Gotta get me some sleep

[FireMicoHalili]

I mean, if we're getting into the habit of nitpicking and semantics and twisting words, time is better spent for other things. Slooooooow news day.

[littlecoyotecoin]

Yes, your snark failed to impress. It's cool.

[Yuixafun]

2 and O? That seems terrible. Looking at the Spurs' roster, I think they intend for him to be the backup two-guard long term with LJC and Bertans to go along with Daye and Thomas, the backup three spot is well covered. I think he may be Manu's heir apparent. Let's hope so, because the Spurs are going to need a bench general going forward.

That's not what I meant man..

The flip side, I meant... like a 3/D equivalent on the Offensive End... like Tempo Setter/Creator

[FireMicoHalili]

Yes, your snark failed to impress. It's cool.
:depressed

[skulls138]

You guys really need to stop judging a player you haven't watched by a nickname you've misinterpreted.Im saying what I think is true, I wish him all the best. He reminds me of Jared Dudley who played for Boston College. With them he was a big guy. In the NBA he is no longer a big guy, he needed a three pt shot to stay relevant.

What Im saying is that the Spurs arent going to say heres the ball, do what you did in college, hes got to fit to them first.

[BatManu20]

Look at that elite athleticism tbh

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BuM63Q5IQAA3qq6.jpg

[Solid D]

some of the guys on here think that players are born with innate magical abilities; "either you have it or you dont"

they dont understand work; that's a generational thing

http://thematadorsports.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/rudy.jpg

Rudy, Rudy, Rudy!!! Next stop....the NFL baby!

[littlecoyotecoin]

http://thematadorsports.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/rudy.jpg

Rudy, Rudy, Rudy!!! Next stop....the NFL baby!

If he just works hard enough.

[Ice009]

http://photos-b.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/10387924_1459298007687505_988685985_n.jpg

Wow, so those gold patches are real? I read the other day that the NBA was going to have gold patches on the uniforms of teams that have won Championships. I wonder if it's only going to be on the player's uniforms? Not sure if the ones for sale to the public will have them?

Teams that have won one Championship will get a patch with a picture of the Trophy and teams with more than one will get one with the number of Championships like the one Anderson is wearing.

[Solid D]

Wow, so those gold patches are real? I read the other day that the NBA was going to have gold patches on the uniforms of teams that have won Championships. I wonder if it's only going to be on the player's uniforms? Not sure if the ones for sale to the public will have them?

Teams that have won one Championship will get a patch with a picture of the Trophy and teams with more than one will get one with the number of Championships like the one Anderson is wearing.

http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/nba-title-teams-gold-trophy-patch-jerseys-boston-celtics-los-angeles-lakers-others-071714

[Solid D]

If he just works hard enough.

With Rudy, working hard enough was never a question.

[littlecoyotecoin]

With Rudy, working hard enough was never a question.

Then I guess all there is left to do now, is reflect on his NFL career.

[RD2191]

Then I guess all there is left to do now, is reflect on his NFL career.
:lol

[Solid D]

Then I guess all there is left to do now, is reflect on his NFL career.

Exactly my point. Thanks for spelling it out for those stragglers, though!

[littlecoyotecoin]

Exactly my point. Thanks for spelling it out for those stragglers, though!

No problem. I was, unfortunately, smack dab in the middle of that conversation that spawned these inside jokes. At least something good came of it.

[Obstructed_View]

Im saying what I think is true, I wish him all the best. He reminds me of Jared Dudley who played for Boston College. With them he was a big guy. In the NBA he is no longer a big guy, he needed a three pt shot to stay relevant.

What Im saying is that the Spurs arent going to say heres the ball, do what you did in college, hes got to fit to them first.

I agree with every bit of that. Even if he were ultra-athletic, I'd say that it's critical that he develop a good three pointer to be on the Spurs. I agree that he's not going to be running point for the Spurs unless he just turns out to be ridiculously good at it and they have no choice, which is extremely unlikely. It'll be on him to adapt his skills into the established system. The good news for him is that the Spurs are the one team in the entire NBA where Anderson doesn't have to run the point to really make an impact with his passing. And if he catches on to team defense quickly enough, he won't have to kill himself trying to try to shut down an opposing wing. Hell, even if he looks good to us, it's about 50/50 that we're having discussions about why he's not getting minutes over Marco because Pop refuses to play him.

[xmas1997]

I'm ready for training camp already.
I am anxious to see how Kyle does with the big boys besides provide donuts.

[xmas1997]

Meant to be: 'Slo-Mo' and the Spurs

http://www.si.com/nba/2014/08/05/kyle-anderson-spurs-slo-mo-nba

by Chris Johnson
Posted: Tue Aug. 5, 2014

Kyle Anderson watched the Spurs throughout their 2014 championship run and knew they were the team he wanted to play for. He watched them outlast the Mavericks in seven games in the first round, roll over the Blazers in five in the second, put away the Thunder in six in the West finals and breeze past the Heat in five to win the the title. The Spurs’ sheer dominance was alluring, but what really grabbed Anderson’s attention was the team’s style of play. The crisp passing, the precise off-ball movement, the superb floor spacing -- the harmony of it all. Anderson wanted to be a part of it.

He said as much a couple of months before the draft, while sitting before a group of kids on a basketball court in New Jersey. “I would love to go … this team has too late of a draft pick, I want to go much higher. But I would love to play for the Spurs.” Anderson said. He added, “You guys gotta watch them, ‘cause the way they play the game is, it’s beautiful to watch.” It is easy to see why Anderson, with his diverse range of skills, wanted to play for San Antonio and why jealous NBA fans let out an exasperated groan when the Spurs drafted him. Yet if Anderson is so talented, it is worth considering why he fell to the last pick in the first round.

For one, Anderson is not an elite athlete. He had the third-highest body fat percentage of players measured at the draft combine and did not partake in any of the physical tests because he sprained his ankle a week prior. Still, one does not need a set of cones and a stopwatch to come to the conclusion that Anderson is not extraordinarily quick or agile. At UCLA, where Anderson played for two seasons after being rated a top-five recruit out of legendary St. Anthony (N.J.) High School, his poor lateral quickness hurt him defensively. Though Anderson has good anticipation skills, proved a capable defensive rebounder and was adept at creating steals, ball handlers were able to glide past him without meeting much resistance.

Offensively, there is concern, as skilled as Anderson is, that his style may not translate to the NBA. His nickname, Slo-Mo, should not be shrugged off as completely inconsequential. Anderson sometimes appears to move at a leisurely pace and lacks explosiveness or a quick first step. His size allows him to see over the top of defenses, and a high release point on his jump shot makes it tough to block. But creating space on the floor can be a struggle. Anderson relies on hesitations, body feints and deft dribbles to rock defenders off balance. What will happen when Anderson is forced to go up against a savvy defender who possesses superior athleticism? Will Anderson’s skills get him by, or will the disparity in speed and quickness wear on him, to the point his passing and scoring ability is marginalized?

In Anderson’s freshman season with the Bruins, then-coach Ben Howland moved Anderson off the ball even though he had played point guard most of his life, including in high school. "He defies what somebody his size should do," Bobby Hurley, Anderson’s coach at St. Anthony, told NJ.com in January. It wasn’t until new coach Steve Alford moved Anderson to his natural position the next year that his creative intuition truly shined through. Anderson’s assist rate – the percentage of a team’s field goals a player assists on while he’s on the floor – increased from 20.8 to 34.3 percent, one of the top-25 marks in the country, according to Kenpom.com. His scoring numbers also increased and UCLA’s offense jumped from sixth to first in efficiency among Pac 12 teams.

The statistical leap, however, does little to suggest how he’ll fare at the next level. What position will Anderson play with the Spurs? Anderson didn’t provide specifics in an interview with SI.com. He did, however, seem to intimate that he doesn’t anticipate playing as much (if any) point guard. “I think I’m most comfortable with the ball in my hands, but I understand I may not always have the ball in my hands at this level that I’m approaching,” Anderson said. “I’m really just getting used to playing without the ball in my hands.” Anderson also welcomes popular comparisons to power forward Boris Diaw, highlighting their shared combination of height and passing ability. Yet as Anderson’s two seasons at UCLA attest, the frontcourt may not be the optimal place to use him.

Unlike the sluggish pace his freshman UCLA team frequently played at, Anderson will be operating in one of the most efficient offenses in the league, conducted by a coach, Gregg Popovich, who has long excelled at extracting maximum value from players with unique skill sets. Look no further than Diaw, who went from being waived by the lowly Bobcats in 2012 to emerging as a key playoff contributor with the Spurs in 2014, scoring 26 points in Game 6 to close out the Thunder in the West finals.

While many other draftees clearly fit a specific role, Anderson will enter his rookie season as a wild card of sorts. Where will he play? Can he succeed without the ball in his hands? What position will he guard?

All of those questions – and the other doubts surrounding his transition to the pro game – feel less important than the reality that the Spurs drafted a really good basketball player. Throw Anderson on a good team, in other words, and he’ll figure it out. “He knows how to play the game,” Alford said. “That sounds simple, but very few players get that. And Kyle knows how to play. That ineffable know-how – that sense you get watching Anderson that he understands the game on a different level than those around him – largely explains why so many rolled their eyes when the Spurs nabbed Anderson at No. 30. Wrote one Reddit poster, “THEY CAN'T KEEP GETTING AWAY WITH IT.” The reaction could be effectively boiled down to two words. “Of course.” As in: Of course Kyle Anderson fell to the Spurs.

Indeed, the Spurs selecting Anderson feels very much like a case of the rich getting richer. Though Anderson had slipped to the late 20s in many mock drafts, there was a sense he could thrive in the right system with the right coach. San Antonio, with its floor-spacing offense, was cast as an excellent landing spot. “You don’t expect guys that look like him, picking in the last pick of the first round” Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said on draft night. But the selection of Anderson in and of itself is only part of the reason the Spurs came out of the draft looking so good. Sure, the match of player and team seemed perfect, but what really resonated was the timing: This happened less than a month after the Spurs completed one of the most dominant playoff performances in recent memory.

Adding Anderson to that team, at the bottom of the first round, almost feels unfair.

[dbestpro]

The one thing that sticks out is something that Pop said even before they drafted Anderson. When asked what he does differently now as a coach then in years past he replied. paraphrase - "I'm better at asking players to do what they do best. I try to play them where they will best succeed." That alone means a bright future for Mr. Anderson.

[littlecoyotecoin]

I thought he opted of of the agility tests on purpose due to him knowing they could do nothing but hurt him. I think I read that somewhere. Now, this says due to injury. Wonder how legit, but it doesn't really matter. We got him.

Good read. Makes me lament that preseason is so far away.

[xmas1997]

Spurs draft pick Kyle Anderson visits kids at Franklin Lakes camp
July 30, 2014 Last updated: Wednesday, July 30, 2014, 1:21 AM
By STEVE POPPER
STAFF WRITER
The Record

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/basketball/anderson-takes-pride-in-n-j-roots-1.1059189

Kyle Anderson readied to speak to a group of campers Tuesday afternoon at the IYB Basketball Camp at the Most Blessed Sacrament School in Franklin Lakes, his first time getting to sit in front of a group of kids, adorned in a San Antonio Spurs shirt, the team that selected him in the first round of the NBA Draft last month. And as he signed a few basketballs and shirts, the campers started chanting his name loudly, a few pulling out smartphones to film the event.

Anderson, once a camper here and just 20 years old now, put down the marker and pulled out his own phone laughing and filmed the kids chanting for him. "He’s still a big kid," his father, Kyle, joked.

But Anderson is growing quickly. The 6-foot-9 point guard is moving on again - a path that may have started for this longtime Fairview resident in these camps, but has accelerated through Paterson Catholic High School, St. Anthony and UCLA. He was chosen by the Spurs with the 30th and last pick of the first round.

"This is just really my first chance of getting to give back to the kids, just giving them a standpoint of where I came from and how I came up to get to where I am today," Anderson said. "So this is my first time doing this and I really enjoyed it.

"It actually brings me a lot of joy. I was in that position of one of those kids, watching Jason Kidd, Tim Thomas, guys like that, who have been in the NBA. I just learned everything they said, and even as a young kid, I listened to everything they had to say and it’s paid off."

The lessons imparted on this day weren’t of developing a killer crossover dribble or a 360-dunk. He told the kids to go home and thank their parents for giving them the opportunity to attend a camp and play the game he loved and he hoped they did, too. On the wall of the gym was a poster with photos of players who’d worked under camp owner Kent Culuko, and the first picture is of Anderson, then an eighth-grader — when he was the top-ranked player of that age in the United States.

Anderson was back from the Las Vegas Summer League where he played six games, showing flashes that earned him the selection by the Spurs — six assists in his first game, 14 points in another. While he always had to prove himself, whether it was at the start of high school or his freshman year at UCLA, he knows he must find a fit in San Antonio. He rarely played point guard in Vegas, mostly spending time as a wing player and getting some minutes at power forward.

But he is willing to wait and learn from the defending champions and head coach Gregg Popovich.

"Yeah, I wasn’t the least bit upset [about dropping through most of the first round] once I realized I’m going to a great organization," he said. "I’d rather go to the Spurs than be the first overall pick. I’m really happy with where I landed. Proving myself, that’s what it’s going to be like. This time I’m totally prepared for it, ready to take on any obstacles of where I need to be to get the spot that I want. It’s going to come with hard work and time."

[manufan10]

Which rookie will have the best career?

1: Jabari Parker, Milwaukee -- 45.9 percent
2: Doug McDermott, Chicago -- 13.5 percent
3: T.J. Warren, Phoenix -- 8.1 percent
T-4: Zach LaVine, Minnesota -- 5.4 percent
Andrew Wiggins, Cleveland -- 5.4 percent
Others receiving votes: Kyle Anderson, San Antonio; Cleanthony Early, New York; Joel Embiid, Philadelphia; Gary Harris, Denver; Rodney Hood, Utah; Mitch McGary, Oklahoma City; Johnny O'Bryant, Milwaukee; Noah Vonleh, Charlotte
Last year: (http://www.nba.com/2013/news/features/john_schuhmann/08/26/2013-14-nba-rookie-survey/) Victor Oladipo & Kelly Olynyk -- 18.2 percent
Worth noting: The Suns' T.J. Warren gets the "Jack of all trades, master of none" award for this Rookie Survey. He got eight total votes, but in six different categories, with this being the only question he got multiple votes on. Only No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins also got votes on six different questions.


Which rookie is being most overlooked?1: Kyle Anderson, San Antonio -- 11.1 percent


T-2: Mitch McGary, Oklahoma City -- 8.3 percent
Glen Robinson III, Minnesota -- 8.3 percent
C.J. Wilcox, L.A. Clippers -- 8.3 percent
T-5: Gary Harris, Denver -- 5.6 percent
K.J. McDaniels, Philadelphia -- 5.6 percent
Doug McDermott, Chicago -- 5.6 percent
Andrew Wiggins, Cleveland -- 5.6 percent
James Young, Boston -- 5.6 percent
Others receiving votes: Jordan Adams, Memphis; Jordan Clarkson, L.A. Lakers; Spencer Dinwiddie, Detroit; Cleanthony Early, New York; Aaron Gordon, Orlando; P.J. Hairston, Charlotte; Rodney Hood, Utah; Zach LaVine, Minnesota; Marcus Smart, Boston; Russ Smith, New Orleans; Jarnell Stokes, Memphis; Noah Vonleh, Charlotte; T.J. Warren, Phoenix
Last year: (http://www.nba.com/2013/news/features/john_schuhmann/08/26/2013-14-nba-rookie-survey/)Ricky Ledo, Erik Murphy, Nerlens Noel & Kelly Olynyk -- 8.6 percent

Worth noting: As usual, this question got the biggest variety of responses, including six Lottery picks. One rookie thinks McGary is set to open some eyes, having missed most of last season due to injury. "He's going to be a really good role player for [the Thunder]," the unnamed rook said. "He's going to bust his tail and earn himself a spot." Maybe the winner should have been No. 5 pick Dante Exum, who got only two total votes on this whole survey, in part because he was absent from the Photo Shoot.


Which rookie is the best playmaker?

1: Tyler Ennis, Phoenix -- 24.3 percent
2: Kyle Anderson, San Antonio -- 18.9 percent
3: Marcus Smart, Boston -- 13.5 percent
T-4: Dante Exum, Utah -- 5.4 percent
Doug McDermott, Chicago -- 5.4 percent
Shabazz Napier, Miami -- 5.4 percent
Elfrid Payton, Orlando -- 5.4 percent
Others receiving votes: Jerami Grant, Philadelphia; Zach LaVine, Minnesota; Jabari Parker, Milwaukee; Nik Stauskas, Sacramento; T.J. Warren, Phoenix; Andrew Wiggins, Cleveland
Last year: (http://www.nba.com/2013/news/features/john_schuhmann/08/26/2013-14-nba-rookie-survey/) Trey Burke -- 47.1 percent

Worth noting: Ennis is obviously a more traditional point guard and, as a Canadian, gets to work with Steve Nash in the summer. Anderson, who is 6-foot-9 and averaged 6.5 assists in his last year at UCLA, should be fun to watch in the Spurs' system. "He's always been a pass-first facilitator," another rookie said.

http://www.nba.com/news/features/john_schuhmann/2014-15-nba-rookie-survey/index.html (http://www.nba.com/news/features/john_schuhmann/2014-15-nba-rookie-survey/index.html)

[xmas1997]

Which rookie will have the best career?

1: Jabari Parker, Milwaukee -- 45.9 percent
2: Doug McDermott, Chicago -- 13.5 percent
3: T.J. Warren, Phoenix -- 8.1 percent
T-4: Zach LaVine, Minnesota -- 5.4 percent
Andrew Wiggins, Cleveland -- 5.4 percent
Others receiving votes: Kyle Anderson, San Antonio; Cleanthony Early, New York; Joel Embiid, Philadelphia; Gary Harris, Denver; Rodney Hood, Utah; Mitch McGary, Oklahoma City; Johnny O'Bryant, Milwaukee; Noah Vonleh, Charlotte
Last year: (http://www.nba.com/2013/news/features/john_schuhmann/08/26/2013-14-nba-rookie-survey/) Victor Oladipo & Kelly Olynyk -- 18.2 percent
Worth noting: The Suns' T.J. Warren gets the "Jack of all trades, master of none" award for this Rookie Survey. He got eight total votes, but in six different categories, with this being the only question he got multiple votes on. Only No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins also got votes on six different questions.


Which rookie is being most overlooked?1: Kyle Anderson, San Antonio -- 11.1 percent


T-2: Mitch McGary, Oklahoma City -- 8.3 percent
Glen Robinson III, Minnesota -- 8.3 percent
C.J. Wilcox, L.A. Clippers -- 8.3 percent
T-5: Gary Harris, Denver -- 5.6 percent
K.J. McDaniels, Philadelphia -- 5.6 percent
Doug McDermott, Chicago -- 5.6 percent
Andrew Wiggins, Cleveland -- 5.6 percent
James Young, Boston -- 5.6 percent
Others receiving votes: Jordan Adams, Memphis; Jordan Clarkson, L.A. Lakers; Spencer Dinwiddie, Detroit; Cleanthony Early, New York; Aaron Gordon, Orlando; P.J. Hairston, Charlotte; Rodney Hood, Utah; Zach LaVine, Minnesota; Marcus Smart, Boston; Russ Smith, New Orleans; Jarnell Stokes, Memphis; Noah Vonleh, Charlotte; T.J. Warren, Phoenix
Last year: (http://www.nba.com/2013/news/features/john_schuhmann/08/26/2013-14-nba-rookie-survey/)Ricky Ledo, Erik Murphy, Nerlens Noel & Kelly Olynyk -- 8.6 percent

Worth noting: As usual, this question got the biggest variety of responses, including six Lottery picks. One rookie thinks McGary is set to open some eyes, having missed most of last season due to injury. "He's going to be a really good role player for [the Thunder]," the unnamed rook said. "He's going to bust his tail and earn himself a spot." Maybe the winner should have been No. 5 pick Dante Exum, who got only two total votes on this whole survey, in part because he was absent from the Photo Shoot.


Which rookie is the best playmaker?

1: Tyler Ennis, Phoenix -- 24.3 percent
2: Kyle Anderson, San Antonio -- 18.9 percent
3: Marcus Smart, Boston -- 13.5 percent
T-4: Dante Exum, Utah -- 5.4 percent
Doug McDermott, Chicago -- 5.4 percent
Shabazz Napier, Miami -- 5.4 percent
Elfrid Payton, Orlando -- 5.4 percent
Others receiving votes: Jerami Grant, Philadelphia; Zach LaVine, Minnesota; Jabari Parker, Milwaukee; Nik Stauskas, Sacramento; T.J. Warren, Phoenix; Andrew Wiggins, Cleveland
Last year: (http://www.nba.com/2013/news/features/john_schuhmann/08/26/2013-14-nba-rookie-survey/) Trey Burke -- 47.1 percent

Worth noting: Ennis is obviously a more traditional point guard and, as a Canadian, gets to work with Steve Nash in the summer. Anderson, who is 6-foot-9 and averaged 6.5 assists in his last year at UCLA, should be fun to watch in the Spurs' system. "He's always been a pass-first facilitator," another rookie said.

http://www.nba.com/news/features/john_schuhmann/2014-15-nba-rookie-survey/index.html (http://www.nba.com/news/features/john_schuhmann/2014-15-nba-rookie-survey/index.html)

Great find!

[xmas1997]

What will Kyle Anderson’s role be with San Antonio Spurs?

by Andrew Melnick

http://fansided.com/2014/08/09/will-kyle-andersons-role-san-antonio-spurs/#!bBiiE0

After capturing the NBA Championship in June with a dominating, five-game series win over the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs got a bit of bad news. In early July, they found out backup point guard Patty Mills, who performed very well for the Spurs last season, would miss about seven months with a shoulder injury.

This news came on the heels of the Spurs picking former UCLA Bruins’ forward Kyle Anderson with the 30th-overall pick in the first round of June’s 2014 NBA Draft.

Jabari Davis of Basketball Insiders believes Anderson could help fill the backup point guard role while Mills rehabs.

I think Mills is slated to be out through January, but I actually think the Spurs will find a way to manage during his absence. Popovich did a really good job of priming Cory Joseph last season, and I expect him to use him again. Kyle Anderson was a fantastic pick for San Antonio, and totally a “Spurs” pick. I see him as eventually running a bit of point-forward for them similar to the way Diaw has been used for the past couple seasons. As long as he settles in and learns the system, he seems like a guy Pop and staff will look to develop.

Anderson measured in at 6’8.5 and 230 lbs. with a wingspan of 7’2.75. He put up 14.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 48.0% from the field, 48.3% from beyond the arc and 73.7% from the free throw last season. Jonathan Givony of Draft Express ranked Anderson as the 21st-best prospect in the draft.

[xmas1997]

Realistic Expectations for Kyle Anderson's Rookie Season with San Antonio Spurs
By Luke Petkac , Featured Columnist
Aug 11, 2014

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2158738-realistic-expectations-for-kyle-andersons-rookie-season-with-san-antonio-spurs

The San Antonio Spurs' Kyle Anderson may just be the most fascinating rookie in the NBA next season, if only because there's virtually never been a player quite like him—a 6'8” point guard with wonderful court vision and a near total lack of athleticism.

Perhaps the best player comparison comes from Dean Demakis of DeanonDraft.com, who had this to say about Anderson in June:

Anderson is likely the weirdest prospect in the draft. Every time I try to think really hard about what he’ll become in the NBA, I come up completely blank. He’s pretty much LeBron James if LeBron was doughy and required to move in slow motion at all times.

You've hit the weird jackpot when “doughy Lebron James” can be considered an accurate player comparison.

Anderson, who the Spurs selected 30th overall in the 2014 draft, posted a 34.3 percent assist rate at UCLA last season, per Sports-Reference. Only five players in NBA history listed at 6'8” or taller have hit the same benchmark—LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady and Jalen Rose—and Anderson doesn't have half the athleticism those guys do.

All that strangeness makes it tough to nail down a prediction for Anderson's first NBA season, and to be quite honest, it's likely that even the Spurs—so good at drafting and developing talent to fit specific needs—don't quite know what they have in him at this point.

Keeping that in mind, the most reasonable expectation for Anderson's rookie season is nothing more than simple experimentation. Anderson has no clear cut position at the next level, but he'll probably settle into a role as a playmaking guard or a hybrid 3-4 (Spurs general manager R.C. Buford compares him favorably to Boris Diaw), and the Spurs will certainly try him out at multiple spots.

Due to Patty Mills' shoulder injury, Anderson has the chance to steal minutes at guard immediately, and he creates some bizarre mismatches when he's on the ball. Anderson's height gives him the ability to throw unobstructed passes almost anywhere on the floor, which could be particularly deadly in conjunction with the Spurs' frantic off-ball movement.

Anderson will also be able to bully some guards down on the block. He's not a deadly post player by any stretch of the imagination, and he'll have to get much stronger to really take advantage of his height in that sense.

But defenses are forced to bend in uncomfortable ways anytime a 6'8” player is posting up a much smaller guard, and Anderson is a clever enough passer to take advantage of any seams that may open up as a result of that.

With that being said, Anderson's lack of athleticism could really hamper him as a true shot-creator at the next level.

Only 26 percent of Anderson's shots came at the rim last season, per hoop-math.com, nearly the lowest rate on UCLA's entire roster. Struggling to get to the rim against college athletes does not bode well for his shot-creating future, and as great a weapon as his height is, it's not going to help much if he can't get by anyone at the next level.

That problem multiplies if Anderson isn't effective from deep. He shot 48 percent from three last season, but on just 58 attempts, a seemingly fluky jump from his 21 percent shooting two years ago. If defenders can consistently go under screens against him, he'll struggle to beat just about anyone off the dribble, and his defender will muck up a lot of passing lanes.

None of that's to say that Anderson can't someday be a decent shot-creator, but it's certainly hard to see him being really effective right out of the gate. For that reason alone, he may fit better in that stretch 4 mold, or at the very least, as an off-ball wing.

Anderson may be slow, but he is very skilled offensively and could replicate a lot of the sets the Spurs run with Diaw in the high post. Plus, the Spurs have a nasty habit of making dangerous weapons out of players without much off-the-bounce juice.

Kawhi Leonard, for example, rarely gets after defenses off the dribble. Last season, Leonard generated just 2.5 points per 48 minutes off of drives (defined as any touch that starts at least 20 feet of the hoop and is dribbled within 10 feet of the hoop), ranking fifth among the Spurs' rotation players.

Leonard isn't a particularly poor off-the-bounce player; San Antonio has just optimized the way he attacks the basket. His rim assaults typically start with him off the ball, looping around screens for give-and-gos or finding small lanes that open up from the Spurs' brand of controlled chaos.

In function, a lot of this stuff is similar to a pick-and-roll that starts at the free-throw line rather than the top of the arc. That kind of jump start into the teeth of the defense is exactly what Anderson needs. Once he's on the move in the paint, he causes havoc as a playmaker and even as a scorer (though he'll likely struggle at first against NBA athleticism and length at the rim).

His only real problem is getting there, and the Spurs' sideline-to-sideline movement could make it a whole lot easier for him. Once again, Anderson's shooting has to hold up for him to be really effective, but he has the potential to be a really unique frontcourt weapon offensively.

The knock on Anderson as a big is his defense, and it's definitely a valid concern. He's going to be a poor defender no matter where he plays, but frontcourt defense is extremely important, and the thought of him going toe-to-toe with say, Blake Griffin, is laughable.

This is where the Diaw comparisons stop making sense. Diaw is a good athlete and a versatile enough defender to make playing only one of Tim Duncan or Tiago Splitter palatable. That's not the case for Anderson.

He's lengthy, which at least puts him a tier above Matt Bonner as a rim-protector (for what that's worth) and makes it possible for him to gum up some passing lanes and force deflections. But that's his only real tool, and he's almost certain to be a massive minus on that end, even if he's hidden on an opponent's worst offensive wing.

Defense is the one thing that could hold Anderson back from seeing any real time this season. Given the Mills injury and San Antonio's penchant for resting its veterans, he would have to be truly terrible to not deserve some burn, but to be honest, that's well within the realm of possibility.

Prediction

It's going to take a lot of experimentation to find where Anderson fits, but if any team can make it work, it's the Spurs. The prediction here is an up-and-down rookie year, at the end of which Anderson carves out a defined role for himself.

Statistically, something like this looks about right.


MP PTS REB AST FG% 3P%
12.5 4.2 2.1 1.5 43% 36%


Anderson will likely be equal parts maddening and supremely entertaining next season. But given the Spurs track record when it comes to drafting and developing talent, he should end up being an important cog in the San Antonio machine for years to come.

[Twisted_Dawg]

Meant to be: 'Slo-Mo' and the Spurs

http://www.si.com/nba/2014/08/05/kyle-anderson-spurs-slo-mo-nba

by Chris Johnson
Posted: Tue Aug. 5, 2014

For one, Anderson is not an elite athlete. He had the third-highest body fat percentage of players measured at the draft combine and did not partake in any of the physical tests because he sprained his ankle a week prior.

This kid is in the big time now and with professional training and diet, that fat will come off him to be replaced by muscle. Look at pics of Kawhi as a rookie compared to the 2015 Finals. Maybe his speed and quickness will improve once the fat comes off.

[ceperez]

This kid is in the big time now and with professional training and diet, that fat will come off him to be replaced by muscle. Look at pics of Kawhi as a rookie compared to the 2015 Finals. Maybe his speed and quickness will improve once the fat comes off.

If he's got mostly slow-twitch muscles, then I don't think he'll gain any speed once the fat is off.

I think the rumors of his lack of ahtleticism is over blown. He comes from a family of atheletes, his brothers and sisters all performed pretty well in other sports.

[BillMc]

Realistic Expectations for Kyle Anderson's Rookie Season with San Antonio Spurs
By Luke Petkac , Featured Columnist
Aug 11, 2014

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2158738-realistic-expectations-for-kyle-andersons-rookie-season-with-san-antonio-spurs

The San Antonio Spurs' Kyle Anderson may just be the most fascinating rookie in the NBA next season, if only because there's virtually never been a player quite like him—a 6'8” point guard with wonderful court vision and a near total lack of athleticism.

Perhaps the best player comparison comes from Dean Demakis of DeanonDraft.com, who had this to say about Anderson in June:

Anderson is likely the weirdest prospect in the draft. Every time I try to think really hard about what he’ll become in the NBA, I come up completely blank. He’s pretty much LeBron James if LeBron was doughy and required to move in slow motion at all times.

You've hit the weird jackpot when “doughy Lebron James” can be considered an accurate player comparison.

Anderson, who the Spurs selected 30th overall in the 2014 draft, posted a 34.3 percent assist rate at UCLA last season, per Sports-Reference. Only five players in NBA history listed at 6'8” or taller have hit the same benchmark—LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady and Jalen Rose—and Anderson doesn't have half the athleticism those guys do.

All that strangeness makes it tough to nail down a prediction for Anderson's first NBA season, and to be quite honest, it's likely that even the Spurs—so good at drafting and developing talent to fit specific needs—don't quite know what they have in him at this point.

Keeping that in mind, the most reasonable expectation for Anderson's rookie season is nothing more than simple experimentation. Anderson has no clear cut position at the next level, but he'll probably settle into a role as a playmaking guard or a hybrid 3-4 (Spurs general manager R.C. Buford compares him favorably to Boris Diaw), and the Spurs will certainly try him out at multiple spots.

Due to Patty Mills' shoulder injury, Anderson has the chance to steal minutes at guard immediately, and he creates some bizarre mismatches when he's on the ball. Anderson's height gives him the ability to throw unobstructed passes almost anywhere on the floor, which could be particularly deadly in conjunction with the Spurs' frantic off-ball movement.

Anderson will also be able to bully some guards down on the block. He's not a deadly post player by any stretch of the imagination, and he'll have to get much stronger to really take advantage of his height in that sense.

But defenses are forced to bend in uncomfortable ways anytime a 6'8” player is posting up a much smaller guard, and Anderson is a clever enough passer to take advantage of any seams that may open up as a result of that.

With that being said, Anderson's lack of athleticism could really hamper him as a true shot-creator at the next level.

Only 26 percent of Anderson's shots came at the rim last season, per hoop-math.com, nearly the lowest rate on UCLA's entire roster. Struggling to get to the rim against college athletes does not bode well for his shot-creating future, and as great a weapon as his height is, it's not going to help much if he can't get by anyone at the next level.

That problem multiplies if Anderson isn't effective from deep. He shot 48 percent from three last season, but on just 58 attempts, a seemingly fluky jump from his 21 percent shooting two years ago. If defenders can consistently go under screens against him, he'll struggle to beat just about anyone off the dribble, and his defender will muck up a lot of passing lanes.

None of that's to say that Anderson can't someday be a decent shot-creator, but it's certainly hard to see him being really effective right out of the gate. For that reason alone, he may fit better in that stretch 4 mold, or at the very least, as an off-ball wing.

Anderson may be slow, but he is very skilled offensively and could replicate a lot of the sets the Spurs run with Diaw in the high post. Plus, the Spurs have a nasty habit of making dangerous weapons out of players without much off-the-bounce juice.

Kawhi Leonard, for example, rarely gets after defenses off the dribble. Last season, Leonard generated just 2.5 points per 48 minutes off of drives (defined as any touch that starts at least 20 feet of the hoop and is dribbled within 10 feet of the hoop), ranking fifth among the Spurs' rotation players.

Leonard isn't a particularly poor off-the-bounce player; San Antonio has just optimized the way he attacks the basket. His rim assaults typically start with him off the ball, looping around screens for give-and-gos or finding small lanes that open up from the Spurs' brand of controlled chaos.

In function, a lot of this stuff is similar to a pick-and-roll that starts at the free-throw line rather than the top of the arc. That kind of jump start into the teeth of the defense is exactly what Anderson needs. Once he's on the move in the paint, he causes havoc as a playmaker and even as a scorer (though he'll likely struggle at first against NBA athleticism and length at the rim).

His only real problem is getting there, and the Spurs' sideline-to-sideline movement could make it a whole lot easier for him. Once again, Anderson's shooting has to hold up for him to be really effective, but he has the potential to be a really unique frontcourt weapon offensively.

The knock on Anderson as a big is his defense, and it's definitely a valid concern. He's going to be a poor defender no matter where he plays, but frontcourt defense is extremely important, and the thought of him going toe-to-toe with say, Blake Griffin, is laughable.

This is where the Diaw comparisons stop making sense. Diaw is a good athlete and a versatile enough defender to make playing only one of Tim Duncan or Tiago Splitter palatable. That's not the case for Anderson.

He's lengthy, which at least puts him a tier above Matt Bonner as a rim-protector (for what that's worth) and makes it possible for him to gum up some passing lanes and force deflections. But that's his only real tool, and he's almost certain to be a massive minus on that end, even if he's hidden on an opponent's worst offensive wing.

Defense is the one thing that could hold Anderson back from seeing any real time this season. Given the Mills injury and San Antonio's penchant for resting its veterans, he would have to be truly terrible to not deserve some burn, but to be honest, that's well within the realm of possibility.

Prediction

It's going to take a lot of experimentation to find where Anderson fits, but if any team can make it work, it's the Spurs. The prediction here is an up-and-down rookie year, at the end of which Anderson carves out a defined role for himself.

Statistically, something like this looks about right.


MP PTS REB AST FG% 3P%
12.5 4.2 2.1 1.5 43% 36%


Anderson will likely be equal parts maddening and supremely entertaining next season. But given the Spurs track record when it comes to drafting and developing talent, he should end up being an important cog in the San Antonio machine for years to come.

Cheers. Thanks for posting that.

[xmas1997]

Cheers. Thanks for posting that.

I actually thought it might be too long for most here, glad you enjoyed it.

[Obstructed_View]

I think the rumors of his lack of ahtleticism is over blown. He comes from a family of atheletes, his brothers and sisters all performed pretty well in other sports.

This. In the family of geniuses, the one they call dummy is smarter than most people.

[xmas1997]

This. In the family of geniuses, the one they call dummy is smarter than most people.

:lol So true, it's all relative.

[spurraider21]

guys, not sure if it's been posted, but here's a vid of Anderson (before the draft) saying great things about the Spurs and saying it would be a perfect fit


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsOXd6jmMOc

[Chinook]

guys, not sure if it's been posted, but here's a vid of Anderson (before the draft) saying great things about the Spurs and saying it would be a perfect fit


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsOXd6jmMOc

Thanks. For posting. :toast

Man, I hope this kid falls to 30. Him and Gasol would be the perfect off-season.

:lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2: :lobt2:!

[monkeypunk]

guys, not sure if it's been posted, but here's a vid of Anderson (before the draft) saying great things about the Spurs and saying it would be a perfect fit


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsOXd6jmMOc


Thanks. For posting. :toast

Man, I hope this kid falls to 30. Him and Gasol would be the perfect off-season.

:lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2: :lobt2:!

:lol

[itzsoweezee]

He's got an excellent feel for the game, he's also a great passer, a good rebounder, and can score against NBA players. Very excited to see more of KA during the regular season.

[tholdren]

Except you passed on the most athletic wing in the draft.

[tholdren]

I love this. Thought he'd be picked well before. The Spurs must have been surprised to see him drop.

[RD2191]

Lets not set our expectations too high. He dropped to 30 for a reason. I can see him struggling a bit his first year. He isn't just gonna come in and be the next Boris Diaw. But with time, he should find a good role off of the bench.

[tholdren]

wrong again. oh wait. you meant off the bench for coach becky. my bad, you da man

[RD2191]

wrong again. oh wait. you meant off the bench for coach becky. my bad, you da man
Living rent free, tbh

[tholdren]

Living rent free, tbh

who is?

[tholdren]

Not really, more like Magic Johnson.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

[tholdren]

Thanks. For posting. :toast

Man, I hope this kid falls to 30. Him and Gasol would be the perfect off-season.

:lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2: :lobt2:!


Even funnier

[dabom]

i wasn't really excited by Anderson, but at first i was just thrilled that we took a UCLA guy. now naturally the fan instinct are taking over and im convincing myself that i love the pick :lol

:lol

[dabom]

Some really good takes in here. :lol

[daslicer]

Not going to say he's a bust simply because 30th picks tend to usually be garbage. I will say that it's safe to say now that most likely in a year or two he will be out of the league playing in Europe.

[cd98]

Spurs need Anderson or Simmons to work into the rotation and both are playing their way out of it.

[Mnky]

Some really good takes in here. :lol

:lol bro.. how would it have been possible to imagine him becoming slower than he already was.. give some people a break.

[tholdren]

:lol bro.. how would it have been possible to imagine him becoming slower than he already was.. give some people a break.
Because he was slow against college players maybe? Even though I hate on him, I still think that if he were put on the kings, he'd be great. Give him to Mike DAntoni

[Kawhitstorm]

Spurs need Anderson or Simmons to work into the rotation and both are playing their way out of it.

Easy solution: http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=gwo5y49

[tholdren]

Easy solution: http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=gwo5y49both of those players are better than ombre

[Mnky]

Because he was slow against college players maybe? Even though I hate on him, I still think that if he were put on the kings, he'd be great. Give him to Mike DAntoni

I wasn't talking comparison. I was saying he physically got fatter and slower.

[benefactor]

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
Mr. Body has been one of the worst posters on this forum for years tbh

[Austin_Toros]

...I'd wager that I've spent about as much time watching him play as anyone over the last couple of weeks, and I think he's going to be a solid pro...


I'm trying really hard not to use the M word to describe Kyle's game, but I sure keep thinking it when I watch him.

Solid takes :lmao

[Mr. Body]

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Quote out of context? I don't know what that was from, but seems obvious it was a comparison of playing styles and speed and not ability, no? Wouldn't that be obvious? Guess not, for our little ones around here.

[bigfan]

Hate to admit it but I agree with most here, this dude sucks and needs to be gone. Not sure on trade or just shitcan implications but hopefully we can be rid of him soon.

[tholdren]

Mr. Body has been one of the worst posters on this forum for years tbh
Always good stuff from the draft threads.

[100%duncan]

bump

[100%duncan]

he's not good enough, and there's a slim chance anderson will ever be good enough to get consistent minutes in the nba (at least with good nba teams) from what ive seen the first 2 games



:lol :rollin

Some of this shit is going to be pure gold when I dig it back up later.

[TimDunkem]

Still sucks.

[Splits]

http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/rick-perry-gop-debate-video-oops1.jpg

[tholdren]

lol chinook - advanced stats comment to back up this fail?

[tholdren]

Love the Kyle Anderson pick - savvy point forward who will fit the system perfectly.
good one

[tholdren]

I agree. His play is hypnotic. Looks like he leaves defenses in a daze.
lol

[DJR210]

Assuming he was cut today, who had the shitter Spurs career? Kyle or James Anderson?

[elemento]

:cry


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCVN4r4pTbk

[CGD]

That we missed on Jokic still pisses me off. Think about it, there would have been no need to throw money at Pau this past summer, and instead the spurs could have focused on the true need: a creating Guard.

[TimDunkem]

lol
Oh...That was a good one. :lmao

[K...]

Assuming he was cut today, who had the shitter Spurs career? Kyle or James Anderson?

kyle won an austin spurs championship so it's a landslide

[From Downtown]

:cry


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCVN4r4pTbk
Plz don't

[DJR210]

kyle won an austin spurs championship so it's a landslide

Well, if we wanna include accomplishments outside of the NBA, James was Big 12 Player of the Year..

[Spurs Brazil]

Based on his output through early January, do you expect Kyle Anderson to be on the Spurs’ roster in 2017-18?

Orsborn: I think he will be. As a spot starter, Anderson has been just fine. He has got a good attitude and is always ready for whatever he is asked to do. And he has got Gregg Popovich in his corner. Sure, he hasn’t met the expectations of some, but I think from Popovich’s perspective, Anderson is filling his role. There are just so many guys that can play, so Anderson has been squeezed out of the rotation many nights. But he has handled it like a pro and he’s ready to go when called upon.

Rohlin: I don’t. “Slow-Mo” has not been producing, and I don’t think he has improved at the rate necessary to justify his spot on the team. His minutes have been reduced from last season from 16 to 12.9. He’s also averaging fewer points, rebounds and assists than he did last year. It’s his third season in the league, and he’s backtracking instead of advancing. I think this will be the final season we see Anderson as a member of the Spurs.

More here: http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-Writers-Roundtable-How-many-S-A-10860211.php

[TheGreatYacht]

Rohlin is the smartest beat writer we have

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Waste of a draft pick and contributes very very little to the team with a very low ceiling.

[JonNOKC]

I think Kyle is with Spurs for one more year. They picked up the 4th year option, guy is pretty cheap. While I do not know that Kyle will ever be a top 10 roster guy (definitely will not be without improved shooting) his value is his versatility. He can realistically play SG/SF/PF. (maybe even PG in a pinch with cross matches on the defensive side). Having one guy acting as your 3rd string for 3 positions at a cheap price helps give team roster flexibility. From an on the court stand point he is probably a borderline NBA talent but when you consider his ability to play multiple positions, and that from all accounts he checks all the off the court boxes (good teammate, no drama, etc) I could see him having a fairly long career with an organization like the Spurs.

[Chinook]

I doubt the Spurs would cut Anderson because he's not producing. He could save them almost $2 Million if he's stretched, and them needing that space is the only reason I'd think it possible. I think they're okay with what he's done when he's actually on the court, thought I hope they're disappointed. The dude is still the third- or fourth-best defender on the team after Kawhi, Danny and maybe LMA. That and rebounding are probably worth his salary given that he'll only be making a couple hundred k's over the vet min given the new CBA.

Obviously, I've been wrong before, though (okay, well not really -- I've actually never, ever forever-never been wrong about a single thing). They gave up almost as much money to cut LJC, though at least Kyle can do something on the court. I think it's possible for him to be gone, but I sure as shit don't "expect" it. 2018-2019? That's a legit question. I don't know that next year is.

[Brazil]

wtf... Chinook is on drugs or something ? :lol

[Chinook]

wtf... Chinook is on drugs or something ? :lol

Which part? Do you expect the Spurs to get rid of Anderson before next season?

[dabom]

wtf... Chinook is on drugs or something ? :lol

Dude has been wrong about almost 90% of his takes. :lol

I have a great memory for this. :lol

[dabom]

I doubt they cut Anderson next year. He's gone after his rookie contract.

[Brazil]

Which part? Do you expect the Spurs to get rid of Anderson before next season?

no just I don't understand wtf you wrote tbh

That's confusing.. "I doubt the Spurs would cut Anderson because he's not producing. He could save them almost $2 Million if he's stretched, and them needing that space is the only reason I'd think it possible. I think they're okay with what he's done when he's actually on the court, thought I hope they're disappointed."

what ?

[Chinook]

no just I don't understand wtf you wrote tbh

That's confusing.. "I doubt the Spurs would cut Anderson because he's not producing. He could save them almost $2 Million if he's stretched, and them needing that space is the only reason I'd think it possible. I think they're okay with what he's done when he's actually on the court, thought I hope they're disappointed."

what ?

Rephrased:

I doubt the Spurs would cut him and give the reason as him not producing. They might do it if they need the bit of cap they'd save by waiving him, but that's the only reason why I think they'd cut him. I don't think they feel like he's not earning his salary, but I would hope they had expected more from him.

Is that better?

[Brazil]

Rephrased:

I doubt the Spurs would cut him and give the reason as him not producing. They might do it if they need the bit of cap they'd save by waiving him, but that's the only reason why I think they'd cut him. I don't think they feel like he's not earning his salary, but I would hope they had expected more from him.

Is that better?

yes definitely, thanks :tu

[Brazil]

Dude has been wrong about almost 90% of his takes. :lol

I have a great memory for this. :lol

:lol here the problem was to understand the take tbh

[baseline bum]

Did the rules for rookie contracts change again? I thought teams had options on years 3 and 4 on contracts for first round picks, and that only years 1 and 2 were guaranteed.

[Chinook]

Did the rules for rookie contracts change again? I thought teams had options on years 3 and 4 on contracts for first round picks, and that only years 1 and 2 were guaranteed.

You pick up the option by Halloween the year before. Anderson's locked in, and the Spurs decide on Murray for year three in like 9.5 months.

[dabom]

:lol here the problem was to understand the take tbh

Point still stands. :lol

[ElNono]

He's basically in Ian Mahinmi's territory. Given plenty of chances, the talk is always about "potential", but the dude can't crack the rotation due to glaring limitations. There would need to be a drastic change in his game not to end up like Ian...

[Chinook]

He's basically in Ian Mahinmi's territory. Given plenty of chances, the talk is always about "potential", but the dude can't crack the rotation due to glaring limitations. There would need to be a drastic change in his game not to end up like Ian...

He spent a year in the rotation and played pretty well. Ian didn't even have his option picked up.

[skulls138]

I doubt the Spurs would cut Anderson because he's not producing. He could save them almost $2 Million if he's stretched, and them needing that space is the only reason I'd think it possible. I think they're okay with what he's done when he's actually on the court, thought I hope they're disappointed. The dude is still the third- or fourth-best defender on the team after Kawhi, Danny and maybe LMA. That and rebounding are probably worth his salary given that he'll only be making a couple hundred k's over the vet min given the new CBA.

Obviously, I've been wrong before, though (okay, well not really -- I've actually never, ever forever-never been wrong about a single thing). They gave up almost as much money to cut LJC, though at least Kyle can do something on the court. I think it's possible for him to be gone, but I sure as shit don't "expect" it. 2018-2019? That's a legit question. I don't know that next year is.I think theyre going to give him more chances beyond this season because its obvious that some of his lacking offense is mostly mental, not his actual talent level. Of course being too affected mentally is not a good sign either BUT with the strides hes made defensively, and the few sparks of brilliance that he shows us now and again, its enough to make the FO feel as if he can turn it around I feel. Also everyone talks like a replacement would automatically work out perfectly.

If Anderson gets it together you have a brilliant passer, rebounder and a person who can score that one shot when one is needed. I saw more evidence of that last year but he did make it look easy at times. Also think his attitude is good.

[TheGreatYacht]

Missing on Jokic the hero and drafting a Zero will go down as the biggest mistake in franchise history

[TheGreatYacht]

831355673149480960

831140621632970753

[SpursBig3s]

831355673149480960

831140621632970753


:depressed

[NASpurs]

http://i.imgur.com/KcKrrf4.jpg

[TheGreatYacht]

http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nba/players/full/2993874.png&w=350&h=254

2.9pts, 2.5reb, 1.1ast

[TheGreatYacht]

In 2019, Jokic will be Fathead's age

[Ice009]

I've started watching him. He's an amazing passer, as good as advertised. Sets up his teammates and gets them good looks. I think they tied the 3 point record tonight.

The one time the Spurs draft an American, he's slow and unathletic as shit. Should have went for Jokic, but I guess not many knew he'd be this good. I mean, Jokic was in woeful shape, but if they were going to go slow an unathletic, should have went for him.

Also, if the Spurs drafted him, he'd probably still be in Europe for another 5 or 6 years before they thought he'd be good enough to bring over.

[NASpurs]

I've started watching him. He's an amazing passer, as good as advertised. Sets up his teammates and gets them good looks.

The one time the Spurs draft and American, he's slow and unathletic as shit. Should have went for Jokic, but I guess not many knew he'd be this good.

Also, if the Spurs drafted him, he'd probably still be in Europe for another 5 or 6 years before they thought he'd be good enough to bring over.

They would had brought him over in 2023 and by then, he would had been 28 year old Spurs rookie Nikola Jokic coming in from Europe with two busted ACLs and people would had wondered how good he would had been if he actually got some time with the Spurs early in his career.

[TheGreatYacht]

^ :lol

[DAF86]

Meh, can't have it all. I'm pretty grateful they drafted the guy ranked 2nd in that list they posted above, tbh.

[Dancelot]

They would had brought him over in 2023 and by then, he would had been 28 year old Spurs rookie Nikola Jokic coming in from Europe with two busted ACLs and people would had wondered how good he would had been if he actually got some time with the Spurs early in his career.
That, or...his rights traded to Houston

[Ice009]

He's actually quite lucky he didn't get drafted by the Spurs. The Spurs probably would have considered him a long time down the road draft and stash.

[ElNono]

They would had brought him over in 2023 and by then, he would had been 28 year old Spurs rookie Nikola Jokic coming in from Europe with two busted ACLs and people would had wondered how good he would had been if he actually got some time with the Spurs early in his career.

Yeah, but he would have a 23 page at the Think Thank that only 3 people read, tbh

[GSH]

Missing on Jokic the hero and drafting a Zero will go down as the biggest mistake in franchise history


Hell, Isaiah Thomas is the best 4th quarter scorer in the NBA. He's putting up right at 30 PPG, > 6 AST, and shooting 91.5% from the FT line (which he gets to often). He was drafted 60th. Shit happens with late draft picks. But "the biggest mistake in franchise history"? Please.

How about Goran Dragic for Malik Hairston?
Or drafting Ian Mahinmi, instead of David Lee?
How about giving up a bonus second round pick to the Warriors (in the RG-SJax trade) that could have been used for Draymond Green?
Still not feeling it? How about taking Marcus Williams instead of Marc Gasol? Imagine Marc Gasol next to Duncan for the last 8 years of Duncan's career, instead of giving us hell in Memphis.

I called for the Spurs to draft Jokic that year, just like I said they should draft Zubac this year. But missing on a late pick that turned out good doesn't even hit the radar screen. Drafting players is easy in retrospect.

[TheGreatYacht]

Hell, Isaiah Thomas is the best 4th quarter scorer in the NBA. He's putting up right at 30 PPG, > 6 AST, and shooting 91.5% from the FT line (which he gets to often). He was drafted 60th. Shit happens with late draft picks. But "the biggest mistake in franchise history"? Please.

How about Goran Dragic for Malik Hairston?
Or drafting Ian Mahinmi, instead of David Lee?
How about giving up a bonus second round pick to the Warriors (in the RG-SJax trade) that could have been used for Draymond Green?
Still not feeling it? How about taking Marcus Williams instead of Marc Gasol? Imagine Marc Gasol next to Duncan for the last 8 years of Duncan's career, instead of giving us hell in Memphis.

I called for the Spurs to draft Jokic that year, just like I said they should draft Zubac this year. But missing on a late pick that turned out good doesn't even hit the radar screen. Drafting players is easy in retrospect.
Jokic has the potential to be better than all of those guys and Fathead isn't even past Austin Daye if you compare each's best games. One of the worst players in franchise history. If he scores 2 points that gets him a B- in the game grades because of how fucking low his expectations are.

On top of that being a weak draft, the options were scarce and RC still missed.