Memphis Grizzlies: Kyle Anderson has a similar play style to this NBA star

The Memphis Grizzlies have a few star players on their team. Those players are Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas right now. You could even throw Dillon Brooks into that conversation after his 2020-21 season.

But there’s one Grizzlies player who is often forgotten about. That player is Kyle Anderson.

Anderson, or Slow-Mo as he is called by fans, is one of the most important players on the team despite his unsightly playing style. That said, that very same playing style is the reason why he doesn’t stick out when you’re watching Memphis Grizzlies basketball.

The former UCLA star may hold similarities to one of the best players in the game.

Memphis Grizzlies F Kyle Anderson’s game holds distinct similarities to Kawhi Leonard

Even though nobody will compare the two players in terms of skill level, the way Kyle Anderson plays basketball looks just like the way Kawhi Leonard, one of the best players in the NBA, plays the game of basketball.

Anderson may not ever reach superstar status, but his unique build makes him a lock to be a consistent all-around player. It’s one of the reasons why he continuously produces on the offensive and defensive ends of the ball.

Like Leonard, he’s not an elite athlete but has one-of-a-kind attributes that help him on the court. In this case, they may be two-of-a-kind attributes. Here’s what each guy looks like physically:

Kyle Anderson: 6’8.5″ height, 7’2.5″ wingspan

Kawhi Leonard: 6’7″ height, 7’3″ wingspan

Specifically, Anderson’s 7’2.5″ wingspan allows him to be a natural defender. He can sneak his arm in for a steal, reach unexpected heights for a block, and stay in position as an exterior and interior defender. Just like Kawhi.

This translates to the stat sheet. Kawhi Leonard’s numbers in his second season with San Antonio mirror Kyle Anderson’s numbers now. Take a look for yourself.

Kyle Anderson:

2020-21 Averages: 12.4 PPG, 3.6 APG, 5.7 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Shooting Splits: 46.8% FG, 78.3% FT, 36.0% 3PT

Kawhi Leonard:

2012-13 Averages: 11.9 PPG, 1.6 APG, 6.0 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Shooting Splits: 49.4% FG, 82.5% FT, 37.4% 3PT

A few similarities will instantly hit you straight in the face. Firstly, each number across the board is closely comparable, with Kawhi having averaged a higher number in the steals category, while Anderson produced more as a passer.

The similarities on both ends of the ball should not come as a surprise to anybody, as these two guys played together in San Antonio for Anderson’s first four years in the NBA. In all likelihood, he shaped his game around Leonard.

In fact, the Spurs likely drafted him due to the similarities that they saw between the two players at the college level. Unfortunately, they’d never get this same type of production out of Kyle. That said, Anderson has carved out a really strong NBA career for himself, peaking in 2021.

And while Slow-Mo’s impact on the floor is only a microcosm of what we see out of Leonard, it helps the Grizzlies in every facet of the game.