Memphis Grizzlies: The Pros Behind the Kyle Anderson Signing

What positives does veteran swingman Kyle Anderson bring to the Memphis Grizzlies for the 2018-19 season?

The Memphis Grizzlies signed veteran swingman Kyle Anderson last week, inking him to a four-year $37 million offer sheet that San Antonio declined to match. While not exactly a blockbuster signing, Anderson’s addition was emblematic of both a lukewarm market, and Memphis’ current cap situation.

There is legitimate reason to question if Anderson will be worth the nearly $40 million Memphis is about to pay him. What cannot be questioned is that it will be a better use of money than their last big free-agent signing.

Despite the possibly-bloated price tag, Anderson brings plenty to the Grizzlies’ table. Join Beale Street Bears as we break down the numerous pluses of his signing:

Filling a Need

The main reason for Anderson’s signing was that the Memphis Grizzlies were thinner than LeBron James‘ hairline on the wing. Both the health and consistency of their swingmen is highly variable; behind Dillon Brooks, they were grasping for two-way contributors.

Anderson gives the Grizz an experienced body, who can be counted on night-in and night-out. The onus will be on Memphis to compete this year, thus necessitating dependable veteran talent while their youngsters come into form.

Anderson has been little else if not consistent, and will give Memphis solid minutes instead of a revolving door of uncertainty at their shallowest spots.

Positional Versatility

Technically listed as a small forward, Kyle Anderson is close to an archetype for today’s position-less NBA. Nicknamed “Slo-Mo” (for reasons obvious to anyone who has seen him play), he uses smart positioning and a massive wingspan (7’3″) to offset his glacial pace.

As such, Anderson can shift his lanky frame into a number of positions. He will see most of his minutes at the three, but can also match up with larger two-guards, or even small-ball fours.

The versatility to slide across those three positions will be key for Memphis. Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are the only locks as starters on their roster, and Anderson can play any position they do not. His fluidity also gives them options with the size of their lineups as opposition dictates.

The Popovich Pedigree

Intangibles are an important part of any team. One needs look no further than the “Grit-‘N’-Grind” Grizzlies of old to see how chemistry and unity can elevate the sum of a team’s parts.

As a Spurs import, Anderson can be counted on as a solid presence, both on the court and in the locker room. Simply put, San Antonio does not keep headcases; they either mold them in their own image or dump them. Four years as a Spur is as solid of a co-sign for a player’s character as exists in the NBA.

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With hope, Anderson will have absorbed enough of San Antonio’s team culture, and allow it to permeate to Memphis’ developing players. A solid role model with good work ethic can pay dividends beyond his own play, especially on such a young team.

Grint & Grind Nostalgia

Moves like the drafting of Jaren Jackson Jr and Jevon Carter suggest Memphis is going all-in on a “Grit-‘N’-Grind” rebirth; preaching defense first, and methodical play. Anderson certainly fits that mold as a high-IQ defensive and playmaking specialist. His D-rating was 14th last year among forwards who appeared in 10+ games.

Memphis played at the NBA’s third-slowest pace last year; just behind the Spurs, from whom they snared Anderson. The style of play should not be much of an adjustment for a guy who moves like frozen molasses.

And while he might not light up the highlight reels or three-point arc (career .338 from deep), Anderson’s measured & controlled game will endear him to the culture Memphis apparently seeks to re-create.

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