He's made at least one 3 in his past 29 games (42 percent shooting), 13 ppg and 6 rpg playing just...

He's made at least one 3 in his past 29 games (42 percent shooting), 13 ppg and 6 rpg playing just 25 minutes a night. He's the darling of the statistical community right now -- if we bring him to Dorkapalooza next month, there might be a per-minute riot.

Bill Simmons of ESPN.com dishes on Ryan Anderson

over 1 year ago Evan Dunlap 29 comments 0 recs |

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He wanted to put him on the list.

On a side note Magic fans, he made no mention of Brandon Bass who is also on a very good contract. Thus leading to the debate, are Magic fans blinded by love of Bass? I love the guy too, but if you asked me I would take Ryan Anderson over Bass and not even give it a second thought.

Roll Bass and War Ryno for me

by Mateo9399 on Feb 17, 2011 3:17 PM EST reply actions

Most people would.

by MagicMark on Feb 17, 2011 3:35 PM EST up reply actions

I wouldn't.

by Memphissleek on Feb 17, 2011 4:37 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Yeah who needs a person who rebounds better, scores more efficiently, and defends in the system better than another player.

by MagicMark on Feb 17, 2011 4:44 PM EST up reply actions

And doesn't drag extra defenders to Dwight every other play.

"We just want to chill" - Chris Bosh.
Proud Jameer and Rashard apologist since '07

by slickw143 on Feb 17, 2011 4:45 PM EST up reply actions

Magic fans like Bass

People with no vested interest in the Magic like Ryan Anderson. Either one is not bad. The only thing I find weird is how ineffective Ryno is starting. That is bizarre.

Roll Bass and War Ryno for me

by Mateo9399 on Feb 17, 2011 4:50 PM EST up reply actions

He had 10 points in the first half last night...

He played very well starting for Rashard in the beginning of last year. What is this ineffectiveness you’re talking about?

"We just want to chill" - Chris Bosh.
Proud Jameer and Rashard apologist since '07

by slickw143 on Feb 17, 2011 4:58 PM EST up reply actions

At least lately, when he was starting he would pick up silly fouls and have to be subbed out.

by MagicMark on Feb 17, 2011 5:05 PM EST up reply actions

Maybe he needs a longer leash,

you’re not a true starter if you mess up and get pulled right away.

http://borntohustleroses.blogspot.com/

by fwedo on Feb 17, 2011 6:13 PM EST up reply actions

well, if you get two fouls in the first quarter, youre gonna get pulled regardless of who you are

by MagicMark on Feb 17, 2011 6:14 PM EST up reply actions

Right, but that wasn't always the case.

Instead of taking one aspect of my argument, focus on my message, that Ryan hasn’t been given ample chance to BE the starter. When he has (while Shard was injured) he delivered in spades.

http://borntohustleroses.blogspot.com/

by fwedo on Feb 17, 2011 6:15 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, he was fine for the most part. Some games he would commit two dumb-ish fouls in the first 3-4 minutes of a game.

Those times, he had to come out, and it seemed to happen just about every other game. He never seemed to do that much when he came off the bench, maybe cuz he was coming in and playing against the opposing bench PF, who knows.

by MagicMark on Feb 17, 2011 6:18 PM EST up reply actions

I think there are a couple things to point out here.

1. Small sample size. Enough said.

2. Shots. When Ryan plays as part of the second unit, he gets a bunch of shots. (As well he should — he’s easily the best scorer off the bench, no disrespect intended to JJ.)

But when he starts, we see a lot of nights where he only gets 7 or 8 shots… because he’s an afterthought. Should he be an afterthought? Probably not, given his efficiency. But if you put him on the court with Dwight, Hedo, J-Rich and Jameer, there’s a lot more competition for shots.

(Maybe Bass has the right idea with the whole never-passing thing.)

I mean, Ryan is a solid all-around player, and getting more solid by the day. He rebounds well. He’s not a great defender, but he always makes the right rotation and isn’t a liability. But if you have him on the court and you aren’t letting him shoot the ball, you aren’t taking advantage of his greatest strength.

Bass and sharks are BOTH fish.

by 3.3seconds on Feb 17, 2011 9:13 PM EST up reply actions

Or to put it differently:

Ryan as a starter: 20.4 MPG, 7.6 shots per game, 1.3 FT attempts

Ryan off the bench: 20.8 MPG, 8.7 shots per game, 2.0 FT atttempts

The extra shots are one thing, but the FT attempts tell me one thing in particular: when he comes off the bench, Ryan gets to show off a somewhat more varied offensive game. When he starts, he’s even more pigeonholed as a three-point shooter. I mean, he mostly shoots threes either way, but he REALLY doesn’t mix it up when he plays with the starting five.

Bass and sharks are BOTH fish.

by 3.3seconds on Feb 17, 2011 9:16 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs