Much-improved Justin Anderson an NBA draft sleeper pick
Few players in this draft possess the combination of perimeter defense and three point shooting as Virginia's Justin Anderson.
The second part of the above statement came as a surprise to many. Anderson struggled mightily from three point range over his first two seasons at Virginia, connecting on 29.8% of his 168 three point attempts during his freshman and sophomore seasons.
Anderson turned that around in a big way during his junior season. Among players expected to be drafted in the first round of the upcoming NBA draft, Anderson's 45.2% was the best percentage for any player who attempted at least 50 three pointers this past season.
When you see that drastic of an improvement in just one year, especially with the high volume of shots Anderson attempted, you'll typically hear stories of a major change to a player's form: a hitch in his shooting motion that was corrected, a change in his hand placement or follow-through. Something which would easily explain how a previously inconsistent shooter all of a sudden became one of the best in the country.
In Anderson's case, he claims the improvement came down to two things: consistency and shot selection.
"When I was in high school my coach said 'You have about seven different shots. When you get it down to one, I guarantee you'll be an amazing shooter'," Anderson said. "I knew what I had to do, it was just repetition. Nobody really ever messed with my shot [at Virginia]. My form and mechanics were always good, it was about consistency and repetition."
For as much as hard work and determination improved the consistency of his shooting mechanics, Anderson also attributes much of the improvement to maturity and an improvement mental approach to the game.
"My freshman and sophomore year I shot more [freely]," Anderson said. "I could have passed it down for a better shot. I think a lot of it was maturity, [and] the confidence to just step into a role knowing that I'm the shooter of the team."
Anderson's defense has had him on NBA radar's for years. Anderson measured 6-6 in shoes at the NBA combine, with long arms, a chiseled 231 pound frame, and an explosive 43-inch vertical jump.
Those incredible physical attributes, along with a willingness to defend and a strong knowledge of defensive fundamentals, gives Anderson a ton of defensive potential.
"I see myself as a guy that coaches or GM's can look at and say 'This guy's experienced. He sees it. He's been in great programs. He's been in a winning culture," said Anderson, who has compiled an 83-23 record during his 3 years at Virginia. "Hopefully I can bring that."
Teams are always on the lookout for "3-and-D" players that they can plug into a role, guys who they can throw at the opposition's best offensive player and who can also help space the floor.
If Anderson's improved three point shot carries over to the next level, with improved consistency and better shot selection, Anderson should be able to fill a role in the NBA for a long time.
Workouts in full swing
As we get closer to June 25th's draft, workout season for many of the top prospects is beginning to ramp up.
The Lakers, who own the second overall pick in the draft, worked out point guard Emmanuel Mudiay on Sunday. They then brought in former Ohio State star D'Angelo Russell on Monday and Duke's Jahlil Okafor followed on Tuesday.
While many prospects will compete directly against other prospects during workouts, frequently in the form of 1-on-1, 2-on-2, or 3-on-3 style drills, the aforementioned top prospects were all competing 1-on-0.
Kentucky's Karl-Anthony Towns, who sits atop many draft boards, has not worked out for any teams, and may elect not to work out for teams at all. Towns will reportedly meet with executives from the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers for an interview, although the details of when that will be scheduled is still unknown.
