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New Orleans Pelicans’ Ryan Anderson in for a bounce-back year?

By Andrew Melnick

Nov 16, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans power forward Ryan Anderson (33) against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of a game at New Orleans Arena. The Pelicans defeated the 76ers 135-98. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans power forward Ryan Anderson (33) against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of a game at New Orleans Arena. The Pelicans defeated the 76ers 135-98. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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New Orleans Pelicans’ Ryan Anderson had a rough year. First, his long-term girlfriend lost her life and then he suffered from a herniated disc that limited him to just 22 games.

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John Zitzler of Basketball Insiders believes Anderson is in for a bounce-back year.

"Anderson allows the Pelicans to space the floor like few other teams can. He has become a remarkably good three-point shooter. Even with shooting nearly eight threes a game last season, he still maintained an impressive three-point percentage of 40.9 percent.The Pelicans acquired Omer Asik during the offseason, giving them a very solid frontcourt rotation of Asik, Anderson and Anthony Davis. With Asik in the fold, Anderson may not start but still figures to play big minutes. Anderson underwent successful surgery on his neck and has just recently been cleared for contact. All signs point to him being ready to go for the Pelicans’ season opener."

Anderson has been an underrated player since he was dealt from the Brooklyn (then-New Jersey) Nets to the Orlando Magic in the Vince Carter-Courtney Lee swap. He is a very good shooter and is a much better rebounder than he’s given credit for. However, with the Pelicans trading for center Omer Asik, it will be interesting to see how Anderson fits. If he proves he’s healthy, he could be trade bait.

Anderson averaged 19.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while shooting 43.8% from the field, 40.9% from beyond the arc and 95.2% from the free throw line. In his career, he’s gone for 12.3 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 42.7% from the field, 38.6% from the free throw line and 85.9% from the charity stripe.

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