Memphis Grizzlies: 3 Training Camp Tasks for Kyle Anderson

Develop Killer Instinct

Playing with the San Antonio Spurs can do immeasurable good for a player. One downside, though, is that their methodical pace, along with team-first focus, can stifle a player’s development. In such a strict system, the chance to experiment offensively is rare.

Kyle Anderson is very much a product of his environment in that regard; a disciplined attacker, who plays within himself, without much assertion. The Memphis Grizzlies may need him to be a different kind of player.

With Tyreke Evans gone, Memphis lacks sorely for scoring depth behind Conley and Gasol. Much like with the lack of shooting, defenses will be able to double the Grizzlies’ stars too easily without support. The bench unit will also suffer greatly whenever one of them sits.

Where Anderson might have previously been encouraged to “make the right play,” he now should be looked on to call his own number. He has the length to stretch past and shoot over an array of defenders, and his herky-jerky midrange game is effective in space.

Anderson’s niche offensive skill — his playmaking ability — will be relied upon less, and he will have to develop a new gear to offset that opportunity cost. Getting Memphis a few extra buckets per game could be a huge key to their success.