San Antonio Spurs Draft Review

30. Kyle Anderson, PF UCLA So. (6-9, 230)
Before the draft, it was obvious that Kyle Anderson's unique skillset would require the correct coach and team structure to succeed. Well he couldn't have landed in a better spot. Anderson is a perfect fit in San Antonio and their free wheeling, ball moving system. He is legitimately a point guard in a power forward's body, with advanced ball handling skills and amazing court vision. His shooting has improved too, shooting 48% from 3 last season. He probably isn't that good of a shooter, but sitting 35-40% from 3 isn't out of the question. The questions about Anderson really revolve around his ability to defend, but San Antonio and Gregg Popovich are the best in the business at maximizing strengths and minimizing weaknesses. In all likelihood, Anderson will be the primary backup power forward and learn from Boris Diaw, who will be re-signed as the backup center. Anderson will be one of the most fun rookies to follow this season.

Projected Lineup
PG: Tony Parker/Patty Mills
SG: Danny Green/Manu Ginobili
SF: Kawhi Leonard/Marco Belinelli
PF: Tim Duncan/Kyle Anderson
C: Tiago Splitter

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NBA Draft: Kyle Anderson Scouting Report

Measurements

Age: 20; Height: 6-9; Weight: 230; Wingspan: 7-2; Reach: 9-0

Season Stats (as of 2/19)

33.0 mpg, 15.5 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 6.8 apg, 1.6 spg, 0.8 bpg, 3.2 tpg, 1.6 fpg, .502 FG, .742 FT, .524 3P

Strengths

-Outstanding length/reach

-Great size if he is a 3

-Very fluid, great body control, moves very well

-Crafty below-the-rim finisher

-Can penetrate off the dribble

-Much improved shooter from 3-point range

-Great mid-range game

-Legitimate point guard skills

-Excellent ball handler

-Top level court vision

-Outstanding passer

-Above-average rebounder

-Length an asset on D

-Unselfish

-Can play multiple positions offensively

-Made a big jump from years 1 to 2

Weaknesses

-Not a great athlete

-Plays mostly below the rim

-Not very quick

-Suspect lateral movement

-Could struggle on D

-Unknown how well his game will translate

-Can he win off the dribble in the NBA?

-Needs to get stronger

-Questions about position on defense

-Not a fit for every team

-May require some creative scheming

-Slow release on jumper 

-Short track record of high efficiency shooting

NBA Comparison

Anderson defies both NBA positions and NBA comparisons; he has the build and shooting ability of former second rounder pick Justin Harper (currently playing in Israel), but with the legitimate point guard skills at that size, similar to former Rocket and Sixer Royce White, though presumably without the baggage.

Draft Projection

Teams could view Anderson as a point guard, a power forward, or anything in between. Where he plays will likely be determined by who he can guard defensively. Additionally, Anderson's not a fit for every offense and will take a GM and coach who have a plan for how to use him on both ends of the court. I could see him going anywhere from the late lottery to the second round, with the most likely landing spot somewhere in the middle

Highlights

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