The Philadelphia 76ers have one of the more lively benches in the NBA, and there are several contributors. Justin Anderson, in his second year with the team, is one of the leaders of the second unit.
If T.J. McConnell is the heart of the Philadelphia 76ers, then Justin Anderson is the soul.
At least once a game, or even one time per quarter, you’ll see Anderson jump off the bench and cheer his teammates on as if it was game seven of the NBA Finals. He shares a lot of the same qualities that McConnell exhibits on and off the hardwood, which is incredibly important for a young team, learning every game.
In February of 2016, the Sixers traded Nerlens Noel to the Dallas Mavericks for a protected 2017 first-round draft pick, Andrew Bogut, and the aforementioned Justin Anderson. The draft pick, which many called “a fake first rounder,” didn’t convey, and Bogut was quickly bought out, leaving the Sixers with Anderson and two second-round picks (Dallas’ 2017 and 2018).
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Fewer trades have been ridiculed more by Philadelphia fans than this one. Nerlens Noel was a fan favorite; a pioneer of the process. He was former general manager, Sam Hinkie’s first acquisition, via the 2013 draft. He is the definition of a rim runner and rim protector. After weathering the onslaught of losses throughout the 76ers’ rebuild, Noel grew unhappy with his role. Joel Embiid, Jahlil Okafor, and Richaun Holmes were all battling for minutes, and Nerlens made it clear that he’d be happier elsewhere.
The displeasure that Noel showed was understood by fans and probably even by the team. With Embiid as the literal centerpiece, Noel was destined to be a backup, on track to earn a maximum offer sheet in free agency that the Sixers would have been forced to match. Instead, they freed him, sending him to Dallas, and in doing so, they acquired an attitude completely opposite of the one Noel expressed.
The immediate reaction was displeasure, throughout Philadelphia; and unfortunately for Justin Anderson, he was the walking symbol of what the 76ers got in return for Noel. But now, there are two reasons why this trade should be viewed as a win.
First, the Sixers aren’t paying a backup center a maximum contract. Cap space wasn’t, and still isn’t a problem for the Sixers, but a few years down the road, when Philly is looking to plunge into the free agency market, paying a sixth man that much money may have ended up becoming a regret.
Second, they found an awesome person and teammate; one who wants to be in Philadelphia. One who loves his role and organization, as seen in this Tweet:
Btw I am not just “a great bench guy”.. it’s called being a phenomenal teammate !! We Lit 🤘🏽
— Justin Anderson (@JusAnderson1) October 24, 2017
The 6-foot-6 swingman from the University of Virginia has also shown a much more compact and fluid three-point stroke in the early parts of the season. He’s only shooting 33.3 percent from beyond the arc, which, albeit in a small sample size, would be a career high. But, don’t be surprised if that number gets a bit closer to 38 percent within the next year or two.
The 23-year-old is averaging 18.5 points per 36 minutes after three games this season, but stats aren’t why the Sixers traded for him. It seems like he has a greater purpose. His attitude and energy is contagious, much like T.J. McConnell’s hustle and work ethic.
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Watch closely next game. Look over towards the Sixers’ bench. I guarantee at one point you’ll see a guy wearing number one jump off the bench and scream towards the rafters. That’s soul.