How does Kyle Anderson fit in with the Minnesota Timberwolves?

Maximize What You Have

If you can’t move your feet laterally as well as some of the best athletes in the world, how can you contribute defensively in the NBA? Anderson shows us that the “want to” defensive mentality can mask physical traits (to a certain extent). Anderson always tries on the defensive side of the ball, and that’s what coaches ask for. That buy-in.

Using his seven-foot-two wingspan, Anderson routinely gets on ball steals. He gets squared up with the offensive player, pokes the ball free with his left hand, and goes around them to secure the steal. Boasting a 2.1 STL% a season ago, Anderson ranked in the 87th percentile amongst forwards.

In the above play, he gets a pickpocket steal leading to an unscripted lob pass.

His instincts and defensive IQ allow him to recognize the ball handler’s tendencies and act on them when he senses the opportunity. Imagine a lineup with him, Karl Anthony-Towns, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels. This would be a matchup-based lineup, but that’s a lineup with four seven-foot wingspans. That length can strike fear in offenses.

Can you beat Anderson off the dribble because you have more speed than him? Cool. With his defensive “want to” mentality you can never count him out. He could put together a compilation of semi-chase-down-blocks. He can get back into plays and challenge shots at the rim from the elbow area of the floor, just not from the full court like LeBron and Giannis (two obvious freaks of nature).

Last year, Anderson ranked in the 91st percentile with a 1.6 BLK%. With good timing and initially being in the right spots defensively, Anderson is a plus defender. He’s maximizing his wingspan; one of his physical advantages.

Expect Anderson to instantly become a fan favorite. Players that compete on defense and share the ball are a joy to watch. Anderson throwing lobs to Gobert, Edwards, and McDaniels will bring the Target Center to its feet.