Kyle Anderson has been the medicine that the Minnesota Timberwolves needed ever since he signed on to join the team for the second time in his career. He is a versatile player who connects the offense together by providing a little bit of everything.
The Timberwolves have historically made big moves in the trade market under the direction of Tim Connelly. They weren't as active at the trade deadline as many expected them to be, but they still made a beneficial move for Ayo Dosunmu. In a more under-the-radar move, Minnesota brought in Anderson after he was waived by the Memphis Grizzlies after being included in the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade.
The wing nicknamed Slo Mo was expected to be a mere depth piece and veteran leader, but he has played a bigger role than expected. Anderson has played in 10 of 11 games since joining the Timberwolves, and his presence has helped keep the team afloat, especially with Anthony Edwards sidelined for Minnesota's recent stretch of games.
Kyle Anderson is the perfect bench piece for the Timberwolves
Throughout his career, Anderson has never been one to stuff the statsheet. In the modern NBA, having role players who can help out is exactly what teams oftentimes need, though, and the UCLA product has played his role to perfection in Minnesota. Anderson is averaging just 4.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game with the Timberwolves, but the numbers don't tell the full story.
The Timberwolves' roster is filled with players who have clearly defined roles. Rudy Gobert protects the rim, Edwards is the superstar, and Donte DiVencenzo is the 3-point marksman. Even the bench unit has a defensive specialist in Jaylen Clark and scoring-minded players such as Naz Reid and Bones Hyland, the latter of whom has been on a tear as of late.
What the bench, in particular, has long needed is a player who can do a little bit of everything. Anderson has the size to collect rebounds, and he is capable of guarding multiple positions. He doesn't need to get up a lot of shots, but his unorthodox offensive game can be tough for opponents to guard when Anderson does pursue scoring. His playmaking is especially helpful for a bench unit with so many scoring threats, too.
Many contenders have a glue player on their roster, and now the team that has made back-to-back Western Conference finals appearances has their versatile jack-of-all -trades player that can be used in whatever way Chris Finch needs. Anderson is far from a star, but he is giving the Timberwolves just what they need.