Hoops Habit
Fansided

NBA: Pending Free Agents Who Need A Change Of Scenery

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 7, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) and Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) fight for the ball during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Raptors 95-87. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) and Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) fight for the ball during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Raptors 95-87. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 11
Next
NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 18: Ryan Anderson #33 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring a three pointer against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on March 18, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 18: Ryan Anderson #33 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring a three pointer against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on March 18, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Ryan Anderson, New Orleans Pelicans

Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Position: Power Forward
Age: 28 (5/6/1988)
Slash Line: .427/.366/.873
Season Averages: 30.4 MPG, 17.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.0 ORPG, 1.1 APG, 2.0 3PM

The New Orleans Pelicans are building something intriguing under head coach Alvin Gentry. There are a number of talented playmakers, and while cohesion may not be found in New Orleans, depth certainly is.

It’d be hard to blame Ryan Anderson for wanting to continue playing for Gentry, but he’s likely to want a starting role—something he’s earned.

Anderson’s efficiency plummeted over the past two seasons, but all things considered, he’s a starting-caliber big man. He’s a complete offensive threat who’s been labeled a stretch 4, but is much more than that.

Anderson is a skilled post player who makes a positive impact on the offensive glass and is a lethal 3-point shooter.

Since 2011-12, Anderson has averages of 16.1 points, 2.5 offensive rebounds, and 2.4 3-point field goals made per game—all signs he can maintain his current level of production. He has clear and well-documented weaknesses, but his strengths are starting-caliber.

Even if Anderson is to remain a sixth man, he’d be better off doing so on a team that’s better than a Pelicans squad that went 30-52 in 2015-16.

Next: Supremely Underrated