With the Nets season officially in the books, it’s time to look back at the year that was. We’ll look back at a different player each weekday, before wrapping up with the coaching staff and front office. First up: Alan Anderson.
Regular season stats: Averaged 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists per game. Shot 40.0 percent from the field, 33.9 percent from 3-point range, 78.0 percent from the foul line in 22.7 minutes per game over 78 games (26 starts).
Playoff stats: Averaged 5.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists per game. Shot 40.3 percent from the field, 29.0 percent from 3-point range and 66.7 percent from foul line in 21.8 minutes per game over 12 games (two starts).
Contractual status:Â Holds player option worth $1,063,384 for 2014-15.
Season recap
Anderson was the 15th and final player signed by the Nets last summer, the final piece of the $190 million roster assembled by general manager Billy King, and went on to become an important player for coach Jason Kidd this season.
After spending several years bouncing around the NBA and several other countries, the 31-year-old swingman established himself last season in Toronto and moreso this season with the Nets, providing Kidd with a wing player who can knock down an open 3-pointer and provide physical defense. He missed just four games of the regular season with a minor groin strain.
Anderson spent a pair of lengthy stretches in the starting lineup – one in late November into December, and another in January – filling in for Deron Williams. His biggest moment came in Games 6 and 7 of the Nets’ first round series against the Raptors, when Kidd opted to use Anderson to replace Shaun Livingston in the starting lineup.
The move turned out to be a stroke of genius. Anderson – who hadn’t been in the playoffs before – gave the Nets another 3-point shooter to space the floor, and Toronto’s defense never was able to adjust to the change. The Nets won both games to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they lost to the Heat.
Outlook for next season
After Anderson became a key rotation player for the Nets this season, it would not be at all surprising to see Anderson return to the Nets next season, regardless of whether he opts into his contract or first elects to test free agency.
With the uncertain futures of Shaun Livingston and Andrei Kirilenko, if Anderson chooses to return to the Nets next season it could result in even more playing time than he received this season.