Kyle Anderson makes Jazz thoughts clear after rejoining Timberwolves

Everyone knew Kyle Anderson wasn't long for Utah when the Utah Jazz acquired him in the offseason. Either he was going to get traded, or they were going to waive him, either mid-season or this summer. When the former scenario happened, it paved the way for him to rejoin a contender, the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In his first press conference since returning to the Timberwolves, Anderson was asked about his brief time with the Jazz. Anderson made it clear that he enjoyed it, but also acknowledged how hard it was to play for a team that wasn't vying for a title.

In his 12-year career, Anderson has missed the postseason twice, but staying with Utah would have undoubtedly made it thrice.

Anderson deserves props for being brutally honest and giving the whole scope about what it was liek for him in Utah. It sounds like he took no issues with the Jazz as an organization, but he understandably was frustrated as a veteran in his 30s to play for a team that didn't have any current intentions to win.

The JJJ trade signals how different things will be starting next season, but still, Anderson should be remembered fondly as a Jazzman for not making a stink and still holding the organization highly.

Anderson barely played in Utah

Anderson didn't bring this up, but he had more reasons to take issue with his time in Utah. What would surely add to the frustration of playing for a rebuilding team is a lack of playing time. Anderson appeared in only 20 games, averaging 20 minutes, which is tough for someone likely entering free agency this summer.

However, Anderson didn't mention that and went out of his way to discuss how much he enjoyed his time in Utah regardless. It also helps them that they put him in a position to play for a winner, which is what he wanted, and he'll get a better chance to show out for another contract.

Whether he succeeds or not is another story, but even if it's a footnote in the grand scheme of things, Anderson was a cool story in Utah, which has come in short supply over the last two years.

Playing for the Timberwolves will make him easy for Jazz fans to root for

Anderson is the fifth Jazz alum to join the Timberwolves since 2022, joining the likes of Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley Jr., Joe Ingles, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Johnny Juzang.

The Timberwolves aren't the favorites in the West. In fact, they've fallen under the radar because teams like Oklahoma City, Denver, and San Antonio all standing out better than them, but not only could it be better that way, but the Jazz can relate to being the underdog.

Years later, Anderson will largely be a tough trivia question for Jazz fans, but it's awesome to see that there are no hard feelings.