Dallas Mavericks: Regular Season Awards

Apr 8, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) high fives guard Justin Anderson (1) during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) high fives guard Justin Anderson (1) during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 27, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Justin Anderson (1) shoots against Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) in the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY
Mar 27, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Justin Anderson (1) shoots against Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) in the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY /

Rookie of the Year: Justin Anderson

2015-16 stats:

  • PPG: 3.8
  • RPG: 2.4
  • APG: 0.5
  • MIN: 11.8

Justin Anderson’s averages do not accurately represent what he has done for the Mavs this season.

His first real run of the year did not come until February, when he played in every game except for one. However, Anderson’s unique game was put on display starting near the end of March, when head coach Rick Carlisle finally started giving him consistent, meaningful minutes.

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Anderson started in nine games this season as a rookie and was impressive in just about every one. His athleticism was something helpful for the Mavs as they lost Monta Ellis in free agency last summer, but his ability to block shots and create steals provided a different skill that the team had not always been accustomed to.

Much like Salah Mejri, the other rookie on the team, Anderson’s best games came while fighting for a playoff spot in the final weeks of the season.

It looks as if Anderson could become one of the few draft day wins for the team over the past 16 years, and as long as they don’t trade him for a shinier object on the market, his game will flourish in Big D.

More hoops habit: 2016 NBA Playoffs: The Deciding Factor In Each First Round Series

Best Game: Anderson’s double-double, consisting of 19 points and 10 rebounds, helped the Mavs pick up their sixth-straight win on Apr. 8.