Kyle Anderson’s versatility will benefit the Warriors next season
Slow-Mo’s game has the potential to do wonders bolstering Golden State’s depth.
With the Warriors exiting last season in the play-in tournament and losing Klay Thompson along the way, it’s clear we’re entering a new phase that’s not quite “Splash Bros” but something different altogether (*bursts into tears immediately*).
Dub Nation is left to hope that the team can once again compete for championships in an evolving NBA landscape that seems determined to leave the Golden Empire behind. IS THIS WHAT THE PROGRESSION OF TIME FEELS LIKE?!
To hold on to that belief, I’ve taken a closer look at the best performances from every non-Curry Warrior last season—because “We Believe” is still what we do, right? Here’s something to believe in from the newly acquired forward Kyle Anderson.
Kyle Anderson aka the Swiss Army Knife
Nikola Jokic: Kyle Anderson’s a really smart player. He knows what to do on the floor. He had 8 assists, he had 9 rebounds, he was really effecting the game. He’s just a high IQ guy and he knows what to do on the floor. pic.twitter.com/ZdWpXoVaTV
— Nadine Babu (@NadineBabu) May 7, 2024
Here’s a quote from Canis Hoopus, a Wolves blog, about his style of play:
He is a versatile “Swiss army knife” and high IQ player capable of handling the ball and initiating offense as a wing while offering an elite defensive and rebounding presence for his position. With a description like that most will conclude that this debate is over, and I can’t fault anyone for that thought process. On brand with his nickname, Slow-Mo, Kyle’s patient and fundamentally sound defensive approach meshes with his 6-foot-9 frame and 7-foot-3 wingspan to frustrate opposing shot creators of varying sizes and positions
Kyle Anderson clutch strip on Luka Doncic in isolation, incredible hands pic.twitter.com/3QbAeWZZ9U
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) February 14, 2023
More from Canis Hoopus on Slow-Mo’s defense:
You can make an argument (and the defensive estimated plus/minus does) that he was the third-most impactful defender on the team. He’s one of the most versatile on that end - one game he’s guarding Nikola Jokić, the next he’s dealing with a Devin Booker. His physicality, length, basketball IQ and quick hands help him excel on that end of the floor.
Looks like the Dubs have found a keeper!