Kyle Anderson’s versatile defense is a much needed commodity for the Portland Trail Blazers
While swapping DJJ for Kyle Anderson isn’t an upgrade on defense by any means, Slo Mo’s offensive potency makes it easier to keep him on the floor.
Anderson has started more games than Jones Jr. has even appeared in throughout the course of their careers. Being a liability on offense will do that to one’s minutes and DJJ knows that better than most.
Anderson wasn’t projected to be a good defender when he entered the 2015 NBA Draft, due to his obvious lack of foot speed. But thanks to his exceptional game IQ, massive length, and lower body strength, he’s turned into one of the most underrated wing stoppers in the league.
Last season, he averaged .097 defensive win shares per game, higher than renowned perimeter defenders like Aaron Gordon, Matisse Thybulle, and Jerami Grant. At 6’9, with a hounding 7’3 wingspan, Anderson can assert his authority on defense and create extra possessions. In 2020-2021, he averaged 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks per 36-minutes.
For comparison, DJJ averaged 1.4 steals and two blocks.
Anderson’s positioning, IQ, and length are all on display in this scoop and score. He first recognizes that his man, Semi Ojeleye, is coming to set a screen for the Boston Celtics ballhandler, Marcus Smart. Knowing that Ojeleye isn’t much of a scoring threat, he jumps the pick and applies pressure. Smart sees the double-team and tries to escape, but Anderson’s length allows him to poke the ball free for an easy transition bucket.
When needed, Anderson’s length and versatility can help form a shutdown front court alongside Robert Covington and Jusuf Nurkic. The Portland Trail Blazers need a defensive ringer off the bench, and one that can be trusted on offense while he’s on the floor. Anderson is the perfect man for the job.