Nov 16, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Justin Anderson (1) dribbles the ball against the Norfolk State Spartans at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
He could step into the void Sefelosha left as a 3-and-D wing (although Thabo’s last season he was just a D), and despite the fact he’s limited as a ballhandler, all the space he would get in OKC’s offense could mitigate that fear. Billy Donovan has great halfcourt offense, and Anderson played well in a slowed-down offense and demonstrated an ability to keep the ball moving in sets.
Overall, I think he fits in with contending teams that need an athletic, shooting wing who can play some defense will take him. While most of those teams are drafting at the end of the first round. But the Thunder aren’t, and he fits their needs. Even if he’s a reach, but he’s a guy who could shoot up draft boards due to all of his talent. There’s no reason to trade down and risk missing on this guy when he could be the piece you need.
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14
Justin Anderson
SG/SF, Virginia
This is the first real reach in my mock draft, but I stand by it. With Devin Booker off the board, the Thunder have to take probably the best available wing. That might be Sam Dekker, but Justin Anderson fits in better here.
At 6’6″ and 225lbs, he can play either wing position, and he is an elite athlete like Dekker but he is a much better shooter. He could give you the defense Andre Roberson can and knock down 3’s, making him an ideal candidate to start at the two.
He could step into the void Sefelosha left as a 3-and-D wing (although Thabo’s last season he was just a D), and despite the fact he’s limited as a ballhandler, all the space he would get in OKC’s offense could mitigate that fear. Billy Donovan has great halfcourt offense, and Anderson played well in a slowed-down offense and demonstrated an ability to keep the ball moving in sets.
Overall, I think he fits in with contending teams that need an athletic, shooting wing who can play some defense will take him. While most of those teams are drafting at the end of the first round. But the Thunder aren’t, and he fits their needs. Even if he’s a reach, but he’s a guy who could shoot up draft boards due to all of his talent. There’s no reason to trade down and risk missing on this guy when he could be the piece you need.
Next: Atlanta Hawks