Signing Kyle Anderson is a huge win for the Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves needed to improve their frontcourt, and they did so by signing Kyle Anderson to a two-year/$18 million deal (both years guaranteed).
Minnesota has quietly been making a lot of good moves. Their contract books are one of the cleanest in the league, and they have no long-term big-money commitments outside of Karl-Anthony Towns (most likely).
It’s not surprising to see him move on from the Grizzlies, despite their upward trajectory. Two seasons ago he was their full-time starter, but his minutes were reduced last year, and he only started in 11 of the 69 games.
I’d be curious to see if he chose Minnesota because of the role they pitched to him. Does that mean he starts? Potentially.
It’s likely he starts a good number of games for the Timberwolves and comes off the bench if the matchup calls for it.
Anderson is a good defender and would help Minnesota out on that end of the floor.
At 6-foot-9 and 230 pounds, he has the physical profile to play small ball and step in as the center if need be.
Anderson’s nickname is “Slo Mo”, which he gets from playing a slow style of basketball. Because he plays so slow, other players are not used to that kind of pace, which allows him to throw defenders off.
Offensively, he’s not the most sound, but he can efficiently knock down mid-range shots. Last season he averaged 7.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.7 blocks. He also shot 44.6 percent from the field, 33.0 from 3 and 63.8 from the line.
If Anderson is in the starting lineup, he wouldn’t take the ball away from Towns, Anthony Edwards or D’Angelo Russell, which is exactly what this team needs.
Anderson brings a lot of experience, and Minnesota could certainly benefit from that. Last season we saw this young team fumble games late, and Slo Mo could be a guy that helps correct the ship in tough moments.
Anderson is a good fit with the Timberwolves because he’s a good defensive player, an efficient mid-range shooter and can play multiple positions. We’re seeing this front office prioritize cap space and long-term flexibility, and signing him to a two-year deal is an A+ move.