Who replaces David West at PF for the Pacers?
April 18, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) during the second quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Anderson – New Orleans Pelicans
Ryan Anderson played the stretch four role for Stan Van Gundy pretty well in his Orlando days. Anderson now finds himself stuck behind rising superstar Anthony Davis on the Pelicans bench.
Even with Anderson being the primary backup to Davis, “The Brow” averaged 36 minutes a game for the Pelicans last year…which doesn’t leave much action for Anderson.
Anderson is only 27 years old, and though he has dealt with injuries in recent years, is still capable of knocking down the three. Anderson has also be a solid on the boards averaging 5.5 rebounds over his career.
Ryan Anderson is definitely an offensive player, and could give the Pacers some solid minutes as a power forward. What he lacks on the defensive end, he should be able to make up with shooting the three.
Anderson is another player making around $8 million a year (over the next two years), so the Pacers scouts better be sure he can still knock down the jumper if Indiana is thinking of acquiring him.