Scouting Report: Justin Anderson, SF, Virginia
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The solution to a small sample size problem is rarely to cut the sample into even smaller chunks, even if the data is distributed in a way that lends itself to those patterns.
Justin Anderson will be spending his pre-draft workouts trying to convince teams that one very small shooting cluster inside a more troubling larger sample is the real him. If teams believe Anderson can hit the triple, he's a good bet to fit the 3-and-D mould at the NBA level. If he can't, there are far better wing options available, even into the 20s. Whether teams buy a 48.4-percent mark from outside over a 22-game stretch this year or look at a 35.7-percent mark over three seasons likely dictates where Anderson falls on draft night.
Relevant Background
| Position | DraftExpress Rank | ESPN Rank | Height w/ Shoes | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SF | 23 | 28 | 6' 6.25" | 231 |
| Wingspan | Standing Reach | Max Vertical (in.) | Hand Length (in.) | Body Fat % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6' 11.75" | 8' 5" | 43.0 | 8.5 | 5.0% |
| NCAA Stats | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 12.2 | 4.0 | 1.7 | 46.6% | 45.2% |
| 2013-14 | 7.8 | 3.2 | 1.5 | 40.7% | 29.4% |
| 2012-13 | 7.6 | 3.3 | 2.3 | 42.0% | 30.3% |
Scouting Report
Strengths: There's a lot to like with Anderson away from the offensive side of the floor. Off the court, he's said to be an affable, hard-working guy. On the court, he flashes exceptional leaping ability and great overall athleticism. Defensively, he has the tools and approach to be an impact player, and while his steal rate was low for someone with his reputation, that's in large part a product of Virginia's conservative system. Most importantly, up until he broke a finger in February, Anderson appeared to have reformed his 3-point stroke.
Weaknesses: It was upon returning from injury that concerns were raised, as he was ice cold through Virginia's elimination in the NCAA tournament and shot poorly from outside at the NBA Draft Combine. If Anderson can't shoot consistently, it will be tough for him to find a role in the NBA - a lot of wings in this draft defend well, and Anderson's inability to create for himself off the dribble renders his offensive upside lower than that of some others.
Highlight Reel
What to Expect on Draft Day
It's an odd thing, Anderson's draft stock. It relies so heavily on his shooting performance in pre-draft workouts, but those represent small samples in their own right. With a 35.7-percent mark over 272 attempts and a 75.2-percent career free-throw percentage, Anderson certainly doesn't project as an elite shooter, but there's enough to like outside of that skill that teams late in the first round, especially those who believe they can coach his shooting up, will be intrigued. Anderson fits best with a contending team in need of bench help, and his range probably sits at 22-30 as a result.