Utah Jazz Free Agency: Five Potential Power Forward Targets
By Greg Foster
Ryan Anderson
2015-16 stats: 17.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 0.4 bpg, 1.1 apg, .427 fg%, .366 3p%, 17.30 PER
Much like Nicolas Batum as a small forward, Ryan Anderson is my dream power forward acquisition for the Jazz. He’s the prototypical stretch four with fantastic shooting touch. His feathery jumper stretches out to the three-point line and he can consistently knock down open shots while also playing in the pick-and-pop game.
Anderson is a game-changer and you can bet that trying to stop him is at the top of every New Orleans Pelicans scouting report. 6-foot-10 elite shooters who can score from anywhere on the floor and crash the offensive glass don’t exactly grow on trees.
Yes, Anderson has his deficiencies — mostly defensively — but pair him with the right roster and they can be hidden.
What intrigues me most about Anderson is his versatility. What I mean by that is that he’s the type of player who could have success playing with both the starters and the bench.
Pair Anderson with Alec Burks off the bench, and you have a tandem who could anchor a second unit with outstanding offense. Slide Derrick Favors to center and insert Anderson with the starters, and you have a deadly lineup filled with shooters, length and floor spacing.
Moreover, with both Favors or Anderson on the court, you force teams to pick their poison: Either let Favors wreak havoc in the paint one-on-one, or double him and let Anderson reign down jumper after jumper.
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He could also be an outstanding mentor to Trey Lyles. Someone Trey could pattern his game after as he continues to gain experience, ultimately becoming an even better version of.
In a league that is trending towards perimeter shooting and versatility, Anderson’s skill set would be a welcome addition.
Other free agent lists:
Point Guards
Shooting Guards
Small Forwards