Many fans have been questioning the productivity Memphis Grizzlies newcomer Kyle Anderson. Over the past few games, his value has been evident.
Since the signing of Kyle Anderson over the summer by the Memphis Grizzlies, he has been an impressive defensive player.
This season, through 24 games, Anderson has doubled his career rebounding and assist numbers. Currently, he is averaging 6.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. These numbers place him third in boards and fourth in assists on the team.
Kyle Anderson’s stats have been helpful when it comes to creating open shots and executing them. Unfortunately, he has only been averaging 6.8 points this season, but the Memphis Grizzlies did not bring him aboard for his scoring impact. It was all about defense to them.
Looking at his total rebounds and assists, many may say that this is enough point production since he is contributing in other aspects. If you are one that thinks that, then, on the surface, you would be correct.
For anyone that has watched any of the Grizzlies’ games this season, you will have noticed the many open looks that he has chosen to pass on instead of shoot and perhaps draw the foul. On the court, he has lacked confidence in his “Slo-Mo” abilities.
This was a true statement until Friday night’s win over the New Orlean Pelicans. For the Memphis Grizzlies’ Kyle Anderson, confidence is key.
With recent opponents trying to defend the powerful duo of Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, this has led to the offensive rise in other players, including like Rookie of the Year frontrunner, Jaren Jackson Jr, JaMychal Green, and — you guessed it — Kyle Anderson.
In the road win against the Pelicans, Anderson produced 19 points, 11 boards, four assists, three steals, and three blocks. This showing was led by highlight plays by a player that looked like he was having fun on the court.
That he was. Kyle was all over the floor on both sides of the basketball. It was hands-down the best game he has played in a Memphis Grizzlies uniform in the early portion of this 2018-19 season. It only hints that the best is yet to come as he becomes more confident and more integrated in Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff‘s system.
Ultimately, the performance went on to prove what the league is slowly starting to acknowledge: the Memphis Grizzlies have many weapons and some impressive depth. It also went on to prove that Anderson belongs in Memphis and he is ready to play. He fits the Grizzly mold.