2021 NBA Trade Deadline: 5 shooters teams should target
4. Kyle Anderson
Prior to this season, it wouldn’t even be possible to qualify Kyle Anderson as a shooter. The Memphis Grizzlies forward had never attempted more than an average of 1.3 3-pointers per season.
But like the rest of the NBA, Anderson is learning that a 3-point shot is a requirement to stay relevant in the league. This season, he’s suddenly chucking up 4.0 threes per game. Just 27 games into the season, he’s already surpassed his career-high in long-distance attempts by 23 shots.
And he’s not half bad at shooting from range either. He’s hitting 40.7 percent of his threes and has an effective field goal percentage of 56.1 percent from the field. Unsurprisingly, his 13.6 points per game are a career-high too.
The Grizzlies are in a weird spot. They aren’t ready to contend, but they are firmly in the playoff conversation and could make some noise if they make it to the postseason. They’ve spent the season without Jaren Jackson Jr., meaning they may be better than their record suggests.
Anderson is a full-time starter for the Grizzlies, but he would likely be a premium bench player for any number of contending teams. If the Grizzlies decide to sell high on Anderson, there could be a shadow bidding war for his services.
The Boston Celtics are falling right now, but Anderson could solve some of their frontcourt woes. The Phoenix Suns are another interesting fit for Anderson.