Scouting Report: Kyle Anderson, SF/PF, UCLA
If you have any idea what Kyle Anderson is going to be in the NBA with any degree of certainty, congratulations, because you're the first. Anderson, one of our favorite college players to watch over the past two seasons, is a point guard in a power forward's frame, one without a clear position on either end of the floor at the next level. The numbers he put up are striking, and he has a very specific set of skills that could make him deadly in the right situation. Whether that all translates, however, is a matter of great debate.
Background
| Position | DX Rank | ESPN Rank | Height w/o Shoes | Weight (lbs.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SF/PF | 17 | 28 | 6' 7.5" | 230 |
| Wing | Vert (in.) | Standing Reach | Hand Length (in.) | Agility (sec.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7' 2.75" | NA | 8' 11.5" | 8.25 | NA |
| NCAA Stats | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | 14.6 | 8.8 | 6.5 | 48.0% | 48.3% |
| 2012-13 | 9.7 | 8.6 | 3.5 | 41.6% | 21.1% |
Scouting Report
Strengths: There may be no player in the draft, point guard or otherwise, with better court vision than Anderson. He's incredibly skilled, unselfish, and good enough on the bounce to create for others and himself. He also hits the glass well and can shoot the three in small doses, making him a versatile, potential four-position option on the offensive end. He measured a bit better than expected at the combine, too, leaving some to think he'll be able to actually guard the four in the NBA.
Weaknesses: We say guard the four, but Anderson is never going to be a good defender, at any position. His length is useful but he's not strong, quick, or athletic enough to profile as a lock-down guy; teams would be happy if he can improve to simply not being a liability. The only knock on Anderson offensively is that he needs the ball in his hands to leverage his strengths, and there's no guarantee a team can commit to doing so as he develops.
Highlight Reel
What to Expect on Draft Day
Got a dart board? Anderson's stock has been everywhere, as high as in the lottery and occasionally threatening to fall to the second round, depending on the day and the source. He's no longer thought to be in the mix in the lottery but it's also unlikely he gets past No. 30, where the creativity of the San Antonio Spurs seems a dream fit. Here's hoping Anderson lands somewhere that will get the most out of him, because he could be a really fun talent.