Anderson?

[MaNu4Tres]

Not saying he doesn't have the tools to be a solid defender but watching him a lot in college I know that wasn't the case. Offensively he is a great player and it pretty much ends there. Just my opinion

Just so you know, just about every good defender in the league right now, was once mainly a scorer or had a big scoring responsibility in college.

It was even the case for Bruce Bowen his last two years at Cal-State Fullerton.

Just because they are mainly scorers in college doesn't mean they won't be able to play defense at the next level. Once they are drafted their responsibilities just translate to different areas, depending on the personnel on the team that drafts them.

[DesignatedT]

Just so you know, just about every good defender in the league right now, was once mainly a scorer or had a big scoring responsibility in college.

It was even the case for Bruce Bowen his last two years at Cal-State Fullerton.

Just because they are mainly scorers in college doesn't mean they won't be able to play defense at the next level. Once they are drafted their responsibilities just translate to different areas, depending on the personnel on the team that drafts them.

Lol okay. That still doesn't hide the fact that he was a below average defender in college and at the moment that's all I have to judge him on. I said he has the tools to be a good defender but that doesn't always translate into that.

[DPG21920]

I have yet to see the athleticism from Anderson to say he could succeed against NBA level SF's. Especially when you consider how elite the position is: Lebron, Durant, Melo, Granger, Gerald Wallace, Iggy, Gay, Richadson, Pierce, Jackson....

Also, the difference between a guy like Bowen and Anderson is that Anderson was the Big 12 player of the year and that holds weight. He did so by being an elite scorer and I really hope the Spurs don't try and turn a guy with questionable athleticism into a defensive specialist, especially when he has a legit offensive game. I want him to work on defense and do the best he can, but I don't want him to strictly focus on that end unless you think he can be a Bowen?

[Big P]

I went to Saturday's Miami game & was very impressed with his play & hustle in the 2nd half....seems like he was a little sheepish in the first half, but I think he wound up with double digit points & a couple of blocs also...he will fill the RMason void sooner than later.

[MaNu4Tres]

. He did so by being an elite scorer and I really hope the Spurs don't try and turn a guy with questionable athleticism into a defensive specialist, especially when he has a legit offensive game. I want him to work on defense and do the best he can, but I don't want him to strictly focus on that end unless you think he can be a Bowen?

To his credit he has more than questionable athleticism. He's not a Roger Mason or Gary Neal by any means. He's also not Durant or LeBron but he is athletic and he has moved his feet really well in the defensive isolation/one on one situations so far this preseason.

It's not about the Spurs turning the guy into a defensive specialist strictly. It's about the Spurs trying to make him into the best possible player he can be on both ends of the court. Concentrating on the defensive end is part of that.

And I don't think Spurs will ever find another Bowen. He was one of a kind.

[DPG21920]

I like his effort and physicality. I am not saying he can't be a passable defender, I am just saying that based on what I have seen (limited), that his upside on offense has to outweigh his upside on defense.

[silverblk mystix]

I think he will surprise a lot of people this year and will be a perfect fit.

I only hope Pop unleashes him and gives him heavy minutes.

[Solid D]

If ever Anderson had an opportunity to NOT DEFER, it would be in a game like the pre-season game in Pennsylvania with no major stars playing.

[Libri]

From the games I have watched he seems hesitant to shoot and be the scorer he was in college. In a way that is a good thing because more than likely he would force bad shots. But then it's also a bad thing because a shooter can't be hesitant. Several times I noticed that Anderson didn't pull the trigger on shots he easily would have taken last season at OSU, some shots this was a good thing, but more often than not he should have taken the shot. Part of it may be that he was still rusty and trying to learn the NBA game, or he might just not have the confidence. And the secret to shooting isn't a picture perfect form or good elevation on a shot, it is confidence.

I think he might be a little nervous and trying to fit in.

[itzsoweezee]

Lol, you people have the temperament of little children. How about give him a chance to play before you write him off and make your silly conclusions.

[Juanobili]

I see him getting the rookie treatment from Pop but let's hope he's another George Hill

[Man In Black]

Why ask the guy to be another Bruce Bowen? If he's another Stephen Jackson, won't that be just as good? I'm just sayin'.

[G-Dawgg]

This kid is alot better than people realize.... He's gonna be a good one. He just needs an opportunity to show it. Eventually he'll get his chance.

[ezau]

I have yet to see the athleticism from Anderson to say he could succeed against NBA level SF's. Especially when you consider how elite the position is: Lebron, Durant, Melo, Granger, Gerald Wallace, Iggy, Gay, Richadson, Pierce, Jackson....

Also, the difference between a guy like Bowen and Anderson is that Anderson was the Big 12 player of the year and that holds weight. He did so by being an elite scorer and I really hope the Spurs don't try and turn a guy with questionable athleticism into a defensive specialist, especially when he has a legit offensive game. I want him to work on defense and do the best he can, but I don't want him to strictly focus on that end unless you think he can be a Bowen?

Spot on

[mountainballer]

I like his effort and physicality. I am not saying he can't be a passable defender, I am just saying that based on what I have seen (limited), that his upside on offense has to outweigh his upside on defense.

agree.
we might rather get a 2nd Michael Redd out of Anderson than anything that is close to Bruce or Bell. and in a few years there will be enough need and opportunity to shoulder the scoring load, considering 2 of our 3 best scorers won't deliver any longer. (or all 3 if Tony leaves)
Spurs need an elite perimeter defender. now and in the future. Anderson won't be that guy. if he plays decent defense, great. end of story.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I just want to have the top 6 most recent posts on ST.

But I'm also really looking forward to seeing what Anderson brings to the table this year.

[ElNono]

Mr Anderson...

[SenorSpur]

Even with just a small sample size thus far, it's clear to me that Anderson is better suited for the SG spot - at both ends of the floor - which could be an issue because he'd be playing behind both Hill and Manu. Obviously, the kid is going to need minutes in order to develop. However, I just hope Pop doesn't fall in love with the notion of trying to make this kid something that he's not. There's something to be said for allowing guys to flourish at their natural position.

[yavozerb]

Even with just a small sample size thus far, it's clear to me that Anderson is better suited for the SG spot - at both ends of the floor - which could be an issue because he'd be playing behind both Hill and Manu. Obviously, the kid is going to need minutes in order to develop. However, I just hope Pop doesn't fall in love with the notion of trying to make this kid something that he's not. There's something to be said for allowing guys to flourish at their natural position.

-Hill is better suited at the 2 but is really needed as a back up pg.
-Blair is a Pf but is listed as the center simply cause TD does not want to be a center.
-RJ is a 3 who is sometimes asked to play the 4 in small ball.

In todays NBA a player is rarely asked to play one position and one position only. With coaches constantly throwing small ball lineups or more traditional sets one must adapt if he wants to get alot of minutes. I agree with you that anderson is a SG, but with the spurs he will without a doubt have log some minutes at the 3. Just the way it is...

[MaNu4Tres]

Even with just a small sample size thus far, it's clear to me that Anderson is better suited for the SG spot - at both ends of the floor - which could be an issue because he'd be playing behind both Hill and Manu. Obviously, the kid is going to need minutes in order to develop. However, I just hope Pop doesn't fall in love with the notion of trying to make this kid something that he's not. There's something to be said for allowing guys to flourish at their natural position.

I just don't agree with this.

If Manu can hold his own at the small forward position for 8 seasons (backing up Bruce, backing up RJ), Anderson certainly can. I just don't buy your notion in which you state, "There's something to be said for guys to flourish at their natural positions". The skill-set needed for both positions in the Spurs system are essentially the same; they are wings and the positions have been interchangeable for as long as I can remember-- typically you'd want the wing with greater size to man the 3 spot defensively ( Anderson shouldn't have a problem being 6'6" and having a strong athletic build; considering Manu, Finley, Barry, Udoka, Bogans--all have played the backup 3 spot role).