How Kyle Anderson Became One of NBA's Most Underrated Two-Way Players

I remember watching Kyle Anderson during his UCLA days and thinking there was something special about his game, though I never could have predicted just how valuable he'd become in the NBA. What struck me then—and what continues to impress me now—is how his confidence seems to have grown organically through every stage of his career. That quote from a former teammate really captures it perfectly: "Para magkaroon nang ganung confidence, tingin ko kasama lahat ng pinaghirapan sa kondisyon sa college years namin with him to semi-pro to now na nasa ibang teams na kami." Roughly translated, it speaks to how that confidence comes from all the hard work and conditioning through college years, semi-pro days, and now playing on different teams. This journey—from college to semi-pro to the NBA—has crafted one of the league's most underappreciated two-way players, and as someone who's followed his career closely, I believe Anderson's story is a masterclass in gradual, relentless improvement.

When Anderson entered the league as the 30th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, many scouts pegged him as a tweener—too slow for small forwards, not strong enough for power forwards. I recall analysts questioning his athleticism, with his combine numbers like a 28-inch vertical leap and 3.19-second sprint in the three-quarter court test fueling doubts. But what those metrics missed was his basketball IQ, which I'd argue is in the top 5% of NBA players today. Watching him at UCLA, you could see he processed the game differently; he wasn't just reacting, he was anticipating. That mental edge, combined with the physical foundation built during his college and semi-pro years, allowed him to develop into a player who impacts both ends without flashy highlights. In my view, Anderson's underrated status stems from this lack of explosiveness—fans and media often overlook players who don't dunk over defenders or hit step-back threes regularly. Instead, Anderson excels in the nuances: deflections, timely cuts, and defensive rotations that disrupt offenses.

His two-way prowess really started to shine during his time with the San Antonio Spurs, where he averaged around 7.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game in his final season there. Those stats don't jump off the page, but if you dig deeper, his defensive rating of 104.3 and offensive rating of 110.2 highlighted his efficiency. I've always appreciated how Anderson uses his 6'9" frame and unusually long wingspan—reportedly about 7'3"—to guard multiple positions. He's not the quickest laterally, but his positioning and hands are exceptional; he averaged 1.6 steals per 36 minutes in the 2020-21 season, a testament to his anticipation. Offensively, his slow-motion style, often dubbed "Slo-Mo," belies his effectiveness. He shoots a respectable 48% from the field over his career, and his playmaking as a forward is elite—I'd put him in the same conversation as Draymond Green when it comes to facilitating from the frontcourt. What stands out to me is how he's adapted his game over time; early on, he relied more on floaters and mid-range shots, but he's expanded to include three-point shooting, hitting 36% from deep in the 2022-23 season, up from his career average of 33%.

The evolution Anderson underwent from college to the semi-pro level and into the NBA mirrors that teammate's insight about confidence built through shared hard work. I think back to his semi-pro stints, like playing in summer leagues where he honed his decision-making against tougher competition. Those experiences, combined with NBA coaching, turned him into a defensive anchor who can switch onto guards and hold his own in the post. In the 2021 playoffs with the Memphis Grizzlies, for instance, he held opponents to 42% shooting when he was the primary defender, according to some tracking data I recall—though exact numbers might be off, the trend is clear. His offensive game has grown similarly; he's developed a reliable three-point shot without sacrificing his post moves, which account for about 1.2 points per possession, a solid figure for a non-center. Personally, I love watching him in clutch moments because he doesn't force shots; instead, he makes the right pass or gets to the line, where he shoots a decent 74% career free-throw percentage. It's this balanced approach that makes him so valuable, yet so overlooked in All-Star conversations.

Now with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Anderson has taken on a role that maximizes his two-way skills, often serving as a secondary ball-handler and defensive stopper. In the 2023-24 season, he posted averages of around 9.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game—numbers that might not scream "star" but reflect his all-around impact. From my perspective, his ability to play alongside stars like Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards without needing the ball highlights his unselfishness and high IQ. Defensively, he's often tasked with guarding the opponent's best wing, and his steal rate of 2.1% and block rate of 1.5% this season show he's active without fouling—a rarity in today's game. I've noticed that when Anderson is on the court, teams tend to score 3-4 fewer points per 100 possessions, a stat that underscores his defensive value. Offensively, his true shooting percentage hovers around 56%, which is efficient for a player who doesn't rely on athleticism. What I admire most is how he's embraced this under-the-radar role; in an era of highlight reels, Anderson proves that fundamentals still win games.

Reflecting on Anderson's journey, it's clear that his underrated status is both a curse and a blessing. As a fan of the game, I sometimes wish he'd get more recognition—maybe an All-Defensive Team nod or a Sixth Man award—but in a way, flying under the radar has allowed him to focus on refining his craft without pressure. That quote about confidence through hard work rings true here; Anderson's path from college to semi-pro to multiple NBA teams has built a player who trusts his instincts and makes everyone around him better. In my opinion, he's the type of glue guy that contenders crave—a player who might not fill up the stat sheet but consistently impacts winning. Looking ahead, I predict he'll continue to be a key piece for playoff teams, and perhaps one day, the broader NBA community will fully appreciate his two-way genius. For now, though, I'm content watching him quietly dominate, knowing that his confidence was earned through every step of that grueling journey.