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Justin Anderson: Phoenix Suns 2015 Draft Profile

By Gavin Schall

Mar 22, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Justin Anderson (1) looses control of the ball against Michigan State Spartans forward Gavin Schilling (34) and forward Gavin Schilling (34) during the second half in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena. Michigan State won 60-54. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Justin Anderson (1) looses control of the ball against Michigan State Spartans forward Gavin Schilling (34) and forward Gavin Schilling (34) during the second half in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena. Michigan State won 60-54. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 7, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Justin Anderson (1) dunks the ball against the Louisville Cardinals in the first half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 52-47. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Justin Anderson (1) dunks the ball against the Louisville Cardinals in the first half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 52-47. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Potential Fit

The Suns don’t have a huge need at Anderson’s small forward spot.

T.J. Warren looked like the future of the position to close out the season and though Anderson projects as a better version of P.J. Tucker, it might not be worth a lottery pick to upgrade that spot.

Anderson’s shooting, if it holds up at the professional level, is much needed. Tucker tailed off from beyond the arc after losing the pristine floor spacing provided by Channing Frye, and Warren has never shown consistent deep range.

Anderson’s abilities in the open court should fit in well with the league’s third fastest offense, as Anderson averaged over 1.5 points per fast break shot attempt. He’s not a great decision-maker on the court, making him a tough sell on a Phoenix team that desperately needs to improve its cumulative team IQ.

While it’s tough to imagine Anderson playing over Warren, he’s strong enough to survive minutes as a stretch-four, a la Harrison Barnes in Golden State.

Anderson’s shooting would be nice, but the positional overlap, combined with his lack of offensive upside, make him a tough sell for a Phoenix front office forever gunning for a star or the asset that’ll nab them one.

Next: Conclusion

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