Being that I am out of town, I haven't seen the Rockets play. So I am wondering what people here think of Derek Anderson so far. How effective is he out there? Is he that much of an upgrade to our back court? As I read the box scores I see quite a few turnovers but I guess that might be expected since he is just getting adjusted to our new system. But how is his shot selection and his shot overall in general. Jeff Van Gundy talked about his passing earlier when we acquired him. How is his passing? Can someone please tell me.
He's a great passer...very unselfish...loves to shoot the midrange shot, which is always a plus...he's just a smart, veteran player who knows how to move the ball, and I love how he's capable of guarding PGs as well...I actually think his influence will be much greater on the defensive end than the offensive end...
Well, it's preseason, so it's difficult to tell. From what I've seen, I'd say his performance is competent. He's not blowing people away with his talent, but he's not disappoining, either. I'd say he's doing a fine job, fills his role well, and will improve.
As others have said, he's shown a reliable jumper and good defense. What has been missing so far is demonstrating the ability to create off the dribble. If we want to take it to another level, part of that will be having someone to create dribble penetration when TMac is out. I think it may come as he settles into the offense, and if he does, watch out.
He's quietly having a terrific preseason. He's been shooting well, and has shown some nice vision and passing skills. He did have some trouble in the first game with over-passing and awkwardness with the offensive sets, but that's pretty understandable, since he's still learning the system. However he looked a lot better in the last game against the Spurs. To be honest I haven't really payed too much attention to his defense, but I don't remember him getting burned or anything. It is pretty obvious though that he's nowhere near the athlete that he used to be. Everything considered, he's playing very well. If Wes doesn't start drilling some jumpers, then he better lookout for Anderson cutting into his playing time, and maybe even starting spot.
I didn't see the SA game, but in the first two games I really thought that he was playing fine, but I was expecting a little more athleticism. Just MHO but I think Wesley and DA look to have had "dead legs" which are expected during camp. I think we'll know more next week, but I still have high hopes for DA making a big impact for us this season.
I don't think we'll know for sure until we're a couple of months into the season. He's learning a new system, he's coming off an off-season, he's got new teammates, the whole offense and its focus is different from anywhere he's been really. How can you judge how he plays when he hasn't even figured out the best way to play or really fit in yet? It's like all those guys calling for JVG's head 1 month into his first year. Give them time...
He hasn't looked very athletic to me. Some here said he would add that dimension to the backcourt but I haven't seen it yet. He is a superb player off the bench, but he may start becaus Wesley has been so ineffective offensively. Overall, I'm very glad we have him.
