Poll: Judging Ryan Anderson's Performance So Far
by erivera7 on Nov 3, 2009 4:46 PM EST
in Diversions
21 comments
At Third Quarter Collapse, we've covered Ryan Anderson a great deal over the past couple of months - Dave D'Alessandro of The Star-Ledger chimed in with his thoughts on what type of player the Orlando Magic were getting via trade, Ben reviewed Anderson's performance in the 2009 Orlando Pro Summer League, and I examined the numbers to see what type of future entailed for him. Not to mention the plethora of times Anderson has spoken with me after practices and games this year.
With the pre-season ending, the regular season beginning, and Anderson continuing to play fantastic basketball (particularly on offense) - putting head coach Stan Van Gundy in a bind once Rashard Lewis returns from suspension - I figured now would be a decent time to ask the community their thoughts on his play so far?
What has impressed everyone? Surprised? Etc.
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What can I say...
…the guy is doing what he has to do and more. Sorry Courtney…we miss you…but right now to the mainstream Magic fan (if he or she is even paying attention already) C.Lee is an after thought and a lot of it is because of R.Anderson.
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
Dont kill me here, but all he’s done is shot well. He’s the mismatch on offense all the time because he is 6 10 and can shoot and its the open shot many times. Its been good because he is a Rashard Lewis-lite making Rashard’s return a seamless transition but Shard is better at everything. Get ready to start seeing Ryan sitting when it comes and seeing Bass bring his dynamic and toughness more often behind Lewis and with some minutes together.
I'm not impressed with his rebounding (4 per game, in 25 minutes, as a 6'10" forward) or his defense, but the dude sure as heck can score
And he’s not tentative, either. He gets the ball on the wing, and either puts it up with that goofy, jumping-forward shot of his, or goes to the basket. No hesitation. He’s very comfortable on that end, and it’s a big reason why the Magic lead the league in offensive efficiency despite missing 4.5 games’ worth from 2 of their 4 All-Stars.
Defense? Oy. Not quite there yet. Chris Bosh is an All-Star who always gives the Magic fits, but the dude shouldn’t be able to shake you with a simple up-and-under. Anderson definitely needs to improve there.
Rebounding? Maybe the numbers are so low because Dwight Howard’s are so high (16 per game in 34 minutes, 28.8 rebound rate), but… he’s 6’10". Matt Barnes is grabbing them at a better rate than Anderson is.
I voted 7-9 for Anderson in the poll, and he’s playing well. Long-term, he needs to improve on the defensive end. Rebounding is a shorter-term concern, though. It should bounce back.
Third Quarter Collapse: An Orlando Magic blog at SB Nation | Brandon Bass: "I just play hard."
I agree with all of your points
The defense and rebounds are a concern but I bumped him into the 7-9.
I’m so excited that this kid is 21.
by Stan in a Van (Down by the River) on Nov 3, 2009 5:44 PM EST up reply actions
He was one the leading rebounders in the Pac-10, so I hope/assume he'll bounce back.
I haven’t paid attention, but perhaps his job is to box out so that Howard can get the rebound?
by thermodynamic on Nov 3, 2009 6:56 PM EST up reply actions
uhhh Rashard averages 5.7 rpg in 36 minutes. Ryan in 2009-10 is at a 5.6 per 36 min rate. So, you’re right Rashard is better. If Ryan"bounces back" he’ll top Rashard. Ryan had an 8.5 per 36 last season, but he wasn’t fighting with Howard for boards.
Agreed that his defense has a way to go and also gave a 7-9, because of the sharp shooting.
I'd say 8.5
…mostly because I feel he has room to improve on defense (and possibly rebounding… though I feel he’s playing Rashard’s position, on the perimeter, which is what’s cutting down on his rebounding totals as compared to last year. His rebounding stats are similar to Rashard’s.)
Make no mistake, I believe he’s an effective player, has a bright future ahead of him, and I’ll take him over Bass every time. (Bass’ rebounding is also similar to Rashard’s… but Bass doesn’t have that excuse, because he’s not playing on the perimeter. He’s just not a very good rebounder.)
But Ryan’s defensive shortcomings (at least in the context of a team like the Magic) mean I’m not QUITE comfortable with him as a starter just yet. (Not that he has to be.) Give him a season to learn the Magic’s defense, and I don’t think this will be a concern.
He's currently two-thirds man, one-third amazing. Which, let's face it, is still a pretty good ratio.
I agree.
I think his defensive shortcomings, at the moment, more have to do with adjusting to Orlando’s scheme.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
Here's the best thing about Anderson...
He’s perfect for the second unit right now.
The problems that have been mentioned by others – sub-par defense and lack of rebounding – are exposed because he’s starting. He’s playing most of his minutes against the other teams’ most talent big men. Even still, his offensive game has been impressive. Throw him in there against the other team’s subs, and he’s going to straight up embarrass them. He won’t have as tough of defensive assignments, he won’t be up against as many tough big men, and the rebounds will come. And he’ll torch the other team on the offensive end.
I'm not sure if he'll torch them on the offensive end if he's not playing with Howard.
Howard gives him so much space. It’s a testament to his skill that he basically makes all of his open shots, but I wouldn’t expect the same offensive efficiency when he’s not playing with his fellow All-Star starters.
by thermodynamic on Nov 3, 2009 6:58 PM EST up reply actions
An astute observation and one that was supported by David Thorpe when he spoke with me.
And it was about the same topic. In essence, Anderson needs to be paired with a big man like Howard.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
Here is what thrills me about having Ryan Anderson right now
He’s still young and should be ready to step right in and replace Rashard a few years down the road when Lewis’ career starts to wind down. In the mean time, he will be able to understudy Lewis’ game and then fit in seamlessly into the starting lineup along with Dwight & Jameer while they will be in their prime (and hopefully, the Magic will be going after a 3rd or 4th championship by then). Anderson is a nice piece of the team’s core for the long term.
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
Absolutely, though it should be cautioned that the same was said about Courtney.
However, I think Stan Van Gundy and Otis Smith understand that Anderson is more of a rarer/valuable commodity than Lee. Plus, his age (21) lends credence that he has the chance to be part of “the future”.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
The guy's shooting is ridiculous.
Ask yourself this, what’s more likely, Anderson shoots below 45% from 3 pt range or finishes at 50% from long range. It’s tough to answer. Truly ridiculous.
Well, he wasn't near those numbers last year...
…and while you can expect an increase from last season’s 36.5% because the Magic are better equipped to get him open shots, and another increase because he’s a year older… well, there’s a reason nobody shoots much higher than 45% from beyond the arc. Even guys like Jason Kapono and Steve Kerr, guys whose NBA careers are due solely to the fact that they can make three-point shots, only average 46-47%. I’ll be happy if Ryan stays above 40%.
He's currently two-thirds man, one-third amazing. Which, let's face it, is still a pretty good ratio.
I think Ryan is more likely to shoot 40% from beyond the arc than 45%.
Even then, that would still be damn good.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
Looks like I jinxed Ryan Anderson. My bad.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
Yeah, I was starting to yell at him at the end like I used to do at Rafer Alston
I guess I can’t really fault his shot selection since his looks were way wide open, but seriously, a couple of those open 3 point looks also had clear driving lanes as well. He was obviously struggling, so he should have gone to the basket after the 6th or 7th miss.
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
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