I’ve heard Anderson compared to Troy Murphy (I’d be thrilled if that was his ceiling) and Pat Garrity (let’s hope not). Perhaps he’s got a bit of Bargnani (hopefully he’ll be more consistent, but I’m doubtful he’ll throw in any shot blocking) and maybe even a bit of Charlie Villanueva.

But the obvious comparison seems to be Rashard Lewis, doesn’t it?

Howard is our key player, but Lewis helps create the mismatches and define the Magic’s whole system. Lewis made the most 3 pointers in the league last season (and did it from the PF position) so obviously what he does is a huge part of our identity.

Looking at it that way takes some sting off that contract. Let’s call it the cost of finding a system of play that suits your star player (as great of a GM as I believe Otis Smith is, I think he out-bidded himself for the best player available and got really lucky that Lewis ended up being the critical piece to play beside Howard).

Now I think Otis Smith is in the enviable position of knowing what he needs on the floor to support Howard, and he’s looking to duplicate what he has in Lewis — cheap(er) and young(er).

Just for fun, let’s compare Anderson’s Per 36 Minutes in his first year to Lewis’ Per 36 Minutes in his second year (courtesy of basketballreference.com). This way, we’re comparing them at the same age (20) with roughly the same amount of basketball experience.

Lewis: 1999-2000

FG FGA FG% 3P 3PA 3P% FT FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS
6.3 12.9 .486 0.9 2.7 .333 2.9 2.8 .683 2.9 4.8 7.7 1.6 1.4 0.8 1.8 3.7 15.4

Anderson: 2008-2009

FG FGA FG% 3P 3PA 3P% FT FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS
4.4 11.2 .393 1.9 5.2 .365 2.7 3.2 .845 2.9 5.7 8.5 1.4 1.2 0.5 1.7 4.3 13.4

Their stats look pretty similar to me. Lewis was the much better finisher, while Anderson’s 3-point shooting is already fully developed. Anderson is also a slightly better rebounder, although this is debatable since they weren’t playing the same position at this time.

There are many variables in play here (style of play, different positions, rosters, etc.), and I’d love to hear everybody’s opinion on the topic. But it seems to me that Ryan Anderson’s ceiling could very well be Rashard Lewis.

He has alot of similarities with Rashard but not completely the same either. My favorite target would be if Ryan could be as good as Troy Murphy.

of a post for this season?

Because I’m REC’ing this just for that.

It practically made me gag when Dwight called him that and I expect in a few years the comparison will be laughable. Personally, the only similarity I see between the two are that their both tall white PFs that can shoot the 3 and play for the Magic.

I know Dwight was just being his goofy self but in this case it was unintentional insult.

Ryan is the real deal and if he can develop into a decent defender, he’ll be a force to reckon with for years to come!

I’m still celebrating the day his 26 year, $148 million contract came off Orlando’s books. I couldnt believe how many coaches came in here and drank the Garrity Kool-Aid that he was a decent player. He was the only pure shooter I’ve seen that couldnt shoot for sh*t since Matt Walsh left UF.

Just going by age and years in college, Ryan would seem to have more room for improvement (As a reference, Dwight is 2 years older than Ryan, but younger than Lee). We all know what Ryan is capable of doing at the PF position, but will he get the minutes he needs to make those steps?

A lot of 4-year seniors (Lee) are what they are when they get enter the league. But in fairness to Courtney, he was a 20+ PPG scorer in college and had to change his role to perimeter-stopper with the Magic. With all the PT he’ll get in NJ, he will get plenty of opportunities to show off his scoring mentality.

So who has more potential?

That’s all I got lol