Alan Anderson: N/A (but an A+ as the hype man)
I’m not trying to cop out of providing a grade here, but it’s hard to assess the actual performance of Alan Anderson rather than the idea of him at this point. With only six appearances and Doc Rivers playing other wings (including Paul Pierce… yikes) over Anderson most of the time, we had to wait until December 1st for Anderson to clock his second performance and reach the 10 total minutes played mark for the season.
With just 86 total minutes under his belt now, Anderson only ranks ahead of rookie Diamond Stone (now in the D-League) in minutes played. Anderson being used less than Pierce is the major frustration for Clippers fans that have seen how bad The Truth has become now, and when he’s received time (a season-high 18 on December 10 against the New Orleans Pelicans, tallying seven points, a rebound, an assist and a steal), he’s shown his energy and effort to contribute.
He can attack fairly well off the dribble when he gets the chance and he’s good enough defensively as an option behind Wesley Johnson at the three, so there’s still reason to believe Anderson can be a contributor in the right, limited circumstances.
Alan Anderson gives the #Clippers more penetration. One of few good things from the preseason opener. https://t.co/W2uVqLLRGk
— Tom West (@TomWestNBA) October 5, 2016
While he’s been limited, though, the LA Clippers have still been thoroughly appreciate of the mentality and support Anderson brings to the team. Rowan Kavner of Clippers.com reported that Doc called Anderson “the best teammate in the world,” and Chris Paul called him the high-spirit glue guy that every team needs:
"“Double-A brings a spirit. Like we keep talking about it, having the right spirit, the right energy every night – Double-A is one of those glue guys that every team needs, and he’s been a big part of our team. As you can see, every night he’s the one that’s sort of rallying guys.”"
On the court, it’s hard to judge Anderson. On the sideline? The exuberant cheering and high fives give him an easy A+.