Rudy Gobert punched Kyle Anderson almost a year ago. “We definitely hashed it out,” Anderson told the Star Tribune afterward. “That happens all the time in sports. I feel like people are acting like they’ve never seen it before. We’re grown men. We’re able to put it behind us. We both want to win.”
There haven’t been any such incidents this year. However, Anderson is under scrutiny again heading into the playoffs.
Anderson has had a complicated 2023-24 season. He has established himself as a locker room leader and has been a model of consistency. Anderson has played 73 out of 76 games. However, it’s hard to decipher his on-court role with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 30-year-old has spent time playing all five positions on the court this season. Chris Finch has thrown him into every role, from starting forward to backup point guard. In some ways, this is a testament to his flexibility. However, occasionally, it is due to Anderson’s shortfalls as a consistent shooter.
He’s shooting a career-low 25.0% from three this year. Anderson is also only attempting 0.6 threes per game, his lowest volume since 2016-17. Anderson’s less-than-stellar shooting from distance has caused his points per game to drop to 6.6, his lowest since 2019-20.
Anderson’s change in scoring has also forced the Wolves to look for other ways to play him. After Karl Anthony-Towns’ injury, Anderson played backup center in a small ball offense to much success. That has also led to him spending less time on the court with other non-shooters, such as Gobert, a drastic change from last season.
The lack of shooting has led to speculation of how effective Anderson could be in the playoffs because the game slows down, and spacing becomes more important. Anderson has shot 25.5% from three in the postseason for his career. Last year, he shot 33.3% in Minnesota’s brief playoff run, a career-high. However, that was 7.7% lower than his regular season percentage (41.0%). The Wolves could also likely see a similar drop to his three-point shooting in the playoffs. Although, this season, it is unlikely he will suffer another ill-timed punch to the eye
Defenders often play harder in the playoffs, and Edwards will become a focal point. Therefore, opponents may sag off Anderson because of his shooting to focus on Edwards or roam off-ball. Opponents have used this scheme against the Wolves throughout the season, leaving Anderson wide-open. Unfortunately, Anderson has shot 28.6% on those wide-open shots (no defenders within 6 feet). Furthermore, 83.3% of Anderson’s three-point attempts are wide-open.
Anderson’s shooting woes create headlines and are a legitimate concern. However, the Wolves still give him consistent playing time due to all his other assets. Anderson is averaging a career-high 2.6 plus-minus per game.
He’s averaging 4.3 assists per game, the second-highest mark of his career. Anderson’s 104.7 defensive rating is the best since 2018-19, and his offensive rating of 110.7 is also the second-highest of his career. Anderson has split time at guard (44.2%), forward (44.7%), and center (11.1%). He has been a valuable glue guy who can be successful anywhere the Wolves have asked him to play.
Even shooting the ball, Anderson has been steller in certain situations. He’s shooting 50.0% on two-point field goals and 58.8% in catch-and-shoot situations. Anderson is also shooting 60.0% from the mid-range.
Anderson is shooting 61.0% on wide-open shots from two. Better yet, Anderson is shooting 69.1% on two-point field goals when he doesn’t dribble. That suggests that Anderson’s shooting struggles from three are balanced by his ability to be successful around the basket and the mid-range.
While Anderson is shooting fewer three-point attempts per game, that may be because he’s choosing to attack the basket and get to shots he’s more comfortable with. Therefore, Anderson may be an asset in the playoffs because he’s productive in the mid-range and crafty around the basket.
For example, Anderson should be effective against drop coverage, where the opposing big drops to protect the rim. Anderson is shooting 47.4% on running floaters this season, which will be a way to punish that specific defensive scheme. Ultimately, he will be a valuable option for the Wolves to deploy against certain matchups.
After Gobert punched Anderson last year, Anderson said, “We both want to win.” The Wolves may set a franchise record for wins this year, but everyone will judge them based on how they do in the playoffs. Anderson has been struggling from three this season, but his overall game and statistics suggest he will help the Wolves win when it matters most.
