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5 Surprises From The 2015 NBA Draft

By Gary Gorski

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Justin Anderson (1) reacts after hitting a three point shot 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 guard Justin Anderson (1) reacts after hitting a three point shot during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Anderson

Taken No. 21 overall by the Dallas Mavericks

2015-16 NBA Stats: 12.4 MPG, 4.3 PPG, 0.6 APG, 2.6 RPG, 0.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Justin Anderson spent some of his junior season at Virginia as an All-America candidate before a portion of his season was derailed by an injury.

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However the 6’6” swingman still entered the draft as a prospect with a NBA-ready frame and good all-around skill set yet lacking the perceived potential to be much more than a good role player.

Anderson spent much of this season bouncing between the D-league and the bench until some injuries finally opened up the chance for him to play. He started eight of Dallas’ final nine regular-season games and helped lead the team to a 7-2 record down the stretch.

Anderson averaged better than seven points, six rebounds and a combined two steals and blocks per game for those final nine games, including a 19-point, 10-rebound, three-block effort against Memphis on April 8.

Anderson played minutes in all of the playoff games in the Mavericks’ losing effort against the Thunder and he averaged 9.4 points per game in that series.

With Chandler Parsons as an unrestricted free agent, Anderson could be looking at a starting role next season for the Mavs or at the very least has earned himself a role of the first wing off the bench.

Next: No. 22 Bobby Portis

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