Alan Anderson is the last piece to the puzzle — a puzzle that could lead the Nets to dethroning the Knicks for the Atlantic Division title.
A smooth-shooting forward, Anderson averaged 10 points for Toronto last season and his signing for the veteran’s minimum accentuates the Nets’ depth.
“No question, we have the talent for sure,’’ Anderson said Wednesday of dethroning the Knicks. “It comes down to guys putting the pieces together. We have team full of superstars and a lot of Hall of Famers. [It’s] similar when that Boston team got together and put the stardom to the side. Instead of three stars, they made one big star. We have a lot of veteran leadership. That’s a big plus for us. We got guys who are vocal and want to win.”
Anderson could have gone elsewhere for more money.
“I had other offers for teams offering more money,’’ he said. “It wasn’t the right fit for me. I’m not getting younger. I want to win. I’m a winner. They showed so much interest in me. I felt most comfortable being here.’’
Anderson, 30, is also friends with Kevin Garnett, establishing a relationship after winning the MVP at Garnett’s basketball camp in Minnesota where Anderson grew up.
Having Anderson could give the Nets the luxury of resting Paul Pierce in some games.
“I’ll add to the second unit,’’ Anderson said. “The roster is so deep, sometimes I might not play, some nights I might play a lot.’’
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* Tornike Shengalia underwent arthroscopic surgery yesterday and is expected back for training camp. … The Nets reportedly will open in Cleveland and play host to the Heat in their opener.