The Sixer Sense
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How Justin Anderson can contribute to the next great Philadelphia 76ers team

By Daniel Stets

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 02: Justin Anderson #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers motions against the Toronto Raptors during NBA game action at Air Canada Centre on April 2, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 02: Justin Anderson #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers motions against the Toronto Raptors during NBA game action at Air Canada Centre on April 2, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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Justin Anderson was acquired for Nerlens Noel. How can he help the Philadelphia 76ers win?

Justin Anderson will always be remembered by Philadelphia 76ers fans as the guy that Bryan Colangelo got in the Nerlens Noel trade. Anderson isn’t as impactful as Noel is. Noel is one of the better defensive centers in the NBA. Anderson is an athletic wing with serious offensive limitations. That begs the question, what can Anderson do to help the Sixers win? Well, there are a few things.

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Get out in transition

Anderson scored 1.35 points per possession on transition offense last year with the Philadelphia 76ers. This would put him in the 90.6 percentile among qualified players. The sample size on these numbers are small. They only account for 24 of Anderson’s games for the Sixers. However, the film demonstrates his ability to run, so Anderson should be able to sustain this for a full season.

Here is an example of Anderson beating Milwaukee down the floor. He gets fouled on the lob attempt. The great thing about Anderson is he is a career 79.3 percent free throw shooter. If Anderson can attack in transition and get to the line, that will be a great way for him to get his points.

Here is another example of Anderson scoring in transition. This time he beats Carmelo Anthony down the floor. Anderson has limitations in the half court, so he will have to use his speed and strength in transition to get easy buckets.

Attack the glass

Anderson’s career DRB% is 17.7 percent. This is a very good rate for small forwards. Here is an example of Anderson tipping the ball while in traffic to Saric.

Also, here is an example of Anderson missing on a put back. The effort he shows is commendable even if he missed the shot.

Lastly, here is Anderson noticing that LeBron is sleeping, and throws down a put back dunk. Anderson is going to have to make these types of hustle plays to be a contributer on next year’s Sixers team.

Weaknesses

Anderson has some large holes in his game that, unless addressed, will limit his productivity for the Sixers. First and foremost is his shot. It’s not great! He is a career 28.9 percent three point shooter. Even when open, he has a tendency to miss badly.

He shot 29.9 percent on wide open threes last year with the Sixers. This can’t happen if he’s on the court with Ben Simmons next year.

Anderson needs to at least be an average three point shooter next year when wide open. If he isn’t, he may not be playable for long stretches.

Lastly, Anderson struggles to create his own shot at a consistent rate. Stuff like this tends to happen.

And this.

With the Sixers, he only scored 0.75 points per possession in isolation attempts, which would put him in the 36.6 percentile among qualified players. In defense of Anderson, these numbers only account for 24 games played with the Sixers. However, it’s something that he needs to improve on to increase his offensive repertoire.

Next: Stop overhyping Lonzo Ball

Conclusion

Anderson has some valuable skills. He is really good in transition, and an active rebounder. Anderson can help the Sixers next year by attacking the rim in transition with Ben Simmons as the ball handler. However, if he doesn’t improve his shot (which in my view, is a bigger deal than his offensive creation because other players like Simmons, Fultz, and Embiid will have the ball in their hands) his ceiling is limited. Maybe J.J. Redick can teach help him with his three point shot.