Trail Blazers NBA Draft prospect: Justin Anderson

Justin Anderson among top NBA Draft prospects for Portland Trail Blazers (23rd pick)

Mar 22, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Justin Anderson (1) reacts after a basket during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Justin Anderson
College: Virginia
Position: Small Forward
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 231 lbs
Wingspan: 6’11.75”
Age: 21

*All information current*

Anderson worked out for the Trail Blazers on Tuesday, along with fellow prospect Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, whose draft profile we did not long ago. If you’ve been paying attention in recent weeks, you may already know that I rather like what Anderson could bring to the Trail Blazers. Now that he has gone through a pre-draft workout with them, it is time that we publish a more official profile.

Offense

Anderson has always been able to score by playing physically, but he transformed his game in his final season as a Virginia Cavalier in order to add a three-point shot to his arsenal. On top of being a bully in the paint, he became a respectable floor spacer. This is huge for his overall versatility, as he does not create for himself all that well. Forcing defenders to respect his proficiency as a spot-up shooter instead of cheating off him makes him an even deadlier slasher. He won’t pour in buckets either way, but he can be counted on for a worthwhile drizzle.

Defense

Anderson is strong and fast enough to defend point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards. He has that lateral quickness we like to see in players of his size, as well as long arms to hamper jump shooters. It is not uncommon to see him emphatically block opponents at the rim either. He covers ground so quickly that he can sky in for the rejection, seemingly out of nowhere at times. This same quick step allows him to close out on shooters at the perimeter too.

Biggest strengths

Anderson’s biggest strength is, without question, his literal strength. I have previously compared his play style to that of Shane Battier and Thabo Sefolosha and I stand by that, but the way he physically moves without the ball resembles something closer to Blake Griffin. He covers the court in long, springy strides, unimpeded by weaker players. This effortless motion hints at another gear waiting to be used to his benefit. He has all the physical tools to become a truly special defender if he can settle on a more balanced stance.

Biggest weaknesses

Anderson’s ball handling could use some work. As previously stated, he won’t create a whole lot of offense on his own. Until he can change direction more gracefully after putting the ball on the floor, his offensive role will be limited. He has a tendency to launch ill-advised shots when uncontested ones aren’t gift wrapped or there is no lane to the hoop because he hasn’t developed his own tricks for creating space.

College statistics

Anderson put up pretty pedestrian numbers during the 2014-15 season, but this is not concerning given his intangibles and potential as a role player. He averaged 12.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. The statistic that jumps out the most is his three-point percentage of 45.2 percent on a not insignificant 104 attempts. That screams early 3-and-D potential, which is something the Trail Blazers will need off the bench.

Overall fit

I could see Anderson sliding valuably into rotation pretty easily. He has that sort of Thomas Robinson or Will Barton energy that the Trail Blazers now lack, but in a much more reeled in and controllable capacity. He is more of a defensive playmaker. He would be great in the Trail Blazers’ three-point centric offense and three-point denying defense.

Justin Anderson highlights via Virginia Sports TV & ACC Digital Network

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