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Former Magic forward Ryan Anderson discusses return to Orlando

Ryan Anderson's return to Orlando turned out to be more favorable than expected. The former Magic power forward shared his reaction after the crowd at Amway Center cheered for him on Wednesday night's game.

Ryan Anderson
Ryan Anderson
USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Anderson returned to Amway Center to face the Orlando Magic for the first time since they traded him to the New Orleans Hornets in July. The former Magic power forward shared his reaction after the crowd at the Amway Center cheered for him on Wednesday night's game, a 97-94 victory for his club.

"It is hard to explain out on the court how you feel during that moment." Anderson said. "It is so cool. I want the people to know that I loved playing here and I hope they do know that. It was situation where i wanted to play the whole free agency thing to its fullest. I wanted to be a part of that and Orlando decided not to pick me up. It was situation where it was pulled out under me. It has been such a great transition for me. It is different, but it is a great opportunity."

Rookie power forward Anthony Davis said that he sees Anderson, whom coach Monty Williams named as one of the Hornets' three co-captains, as a mentor.

"He is great." Davis said. "He is awesome. Ryan is like my mentor right now. We play the same position and I listen to him when he is telling me things. He is helping me out along the way. He is a great person and a great player."

"The whole atmosphere, the court, it all really feels so familiar." Anderson said. "It is good to be back. You spend so much time here that it didn't feel like a new environment, it just felt like playing another game which was good. I am glad we got a win tonight. It is exciting."

Anderson is excited about the fact that it the Hornets ended their 11-game losing streak against his former team.

"Not only is it nice to beat the tram that traded me, but it is great for this team and the morale. " Anderson said.