Fansided

NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 best small forwards available

By Baasil Ebrahim

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 20: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder defends against LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game at Quicken Loans Arena on January 20, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 20: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder defends against LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game at Quicken Loans Arena on January 20, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 11: Kyle Anderson #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after a timeout during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 11: Kyle Anderson #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after a timeout during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

4. Kyle Anderson

In a league that is beginning to love pace, Kyle Anderson doesn’t subscribe to that ideology. The man they call ‘Slow-Mo’ has no problem playing the game slowly and making the intelligent play.

The versatile player saw his role expand last year, but didn’t see his production falter. In fact, he was more efficient while playing more minutes as he posted a career high PER. He is able to do this because he can do everything needed on a basketball court. He can score enough, while being a strong passer, rebounder, and defender.

Last year, Anderson shot a career high 52.7% thanks to a career low average shot distance of 8.4 feet. He isn’t some special three point shooter, but he know his shots and he converts them at a high rate. Passing the ball is also something he does well, always making the smart play. Even if he doesn’t have the most assists, he plays beautiful basketball by keeping the ball moving, hitting the open man.

While he rebounds at a solid level, it isn’t something to focus on. However, his defense is special. Last year, he had a solid defensive rating of 101.4, as tougher defensive assignments players took him over 100 for the first time in 3 years. He averaged 1.6 steals and 0.8 blocks per game last year, which are good number, but look even better per 36 minutes where they are 2.1 and 1.1 respectively. He owned the fourth best steal percentage in the NBA, as a truly disrupting offenses.

The 24 year old is ready to expand his role, helping his team in whatever way necessary.

Home/NBA