We’ll start with Anderson, who has only logged 364 minutes so far this year but recently played the most minutes of the season by far in the Atlanta Hawks’ thrilling overtime win against the Bucks. Anderson notched a strong double-double in the game with 24 points and 12 rebounds (both season-highs):
Beyond his on-court impact, Anderson seems to be one of the most boisterous “bench mob” members and is always at the ready to congratulate his teammates. Furthermore, the 25-year-old is still quite young and thus fits into the Atlanta Hawks’ timeline for this team rather seamlessly.
Anderson’s defensive effort is contagious when he’s on the court, which is an area that the Atlanta Hawks will have to drastically improve if they’re planning on making a leap into playoff contention next season (who knows if that is the goal immediately). Just take a gander at this truly amazing block in the recent Atlanta Hawks game against the Portland Trail Blazers:
Justin Anderson just killed a dunk attempt. pic.twitter.com/tzdtYdThVu
— Bally Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnBally) March 30, 2019
Stupendous.
One area in which Anderson will have to improve is his three-point shooting. Anderson’s mechanics are quite hitch-y, and he is only a career 29.6 percent shooter long range, which is down to 27.4 percent this season according to Basketball Reference.
Still though, as a restricted free agent, the Hawks will be able to match any offers that Anderson might get on the open market. If no offers come in, Atlanta can give him fair market value to them – which will likely not break the bank.
Anderson should be a low-cost, proven culture guy that the Atlanta Hawks bring back on an inexpensive deal next season.