With the NBA playoff chase heating up, one Western Conference contender is reportedly primed to add a very solid veteran to its bench.
NBA guru Shams Charania reported that the Memphis Grizzlies have come to a contract buyout agreement with forward Kyle Anderson. Assuming he clears waivers, Charania added that Anderson will rejoin the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Anderson played for Minnesota from 2022-24. Formerly a First Round pick out of UCLA, the 6-foot-9 forward has primarily been a role player throughout his career.
Known as “Slo-Mo” for his less-than-ideal athletic ability, Anderson’s ability to control pace has made him immensely valuable. His passing prowess dates back to both high school and college where he functioned as a high-level point forward. Anderson’s worked very hard at becoming a credible defender/rebounder.
While no one will confuse him for Draymond Green or Jalen Duren, Anderson’s collective experience over a decade in the NBA makes him an ideal fit for the Timberwolves.
Minnesota (as of Feb. 26) currently sits fifth in the loaded Western Conference. The Timberwolves have somewhat retooled their bench when acquiring guard Ayo Dosunmu. Anderson gives the team more flexibility up front as an initiator of the offense and also a bigger player with length.
Helping Anderson’s case is the fact he has familiarity with the squad and the scheme. Assuming he joins the team, Anderson will hit the ground running — immediately becoming one of the more trusted bench players on the roster next to Naz Reid.
On the year, Anderson is averaging 7.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 2.7 APG on 56.3 percent from the field and a blistering 66.7 percent from beyond the arc.