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Nets: Justin Anderson’s Huge Role in Orlando Could Decide Future in Brooklyn

By Jerry Trotta

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 10: Justin Anderson #10 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball during the first half of the game against the Miami Heat at Barclays Center on January 10, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 10: Justin Anderson #10 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball during the first half of the game against the Miami Heat at Barclays Center on January 10, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Justin Anderson is going to play a huge role for the Nets in Orlando.

With the NBA restart looming, it’s absolutely fair to say that, of the 22 teams in the Orlando bubble, the Nets are the most depleted squad. After all, Brooklyn is missing almost half of its roster due to either injury or positive coronavirus cases.

Considering the lineup the Nets are projected to deploy, the resumption of the 2019-20 season should almost be viewed as a tryout of sorts for players who were recently signed as substitute players.

Fifth-year forward Justin Anderson falls into this category, as Brooklyn previously inked him to a deal that will last until the team is eliminated from the playoffs. If the latest comments from interim head coach Jacque Vaughn mean anything, they indicate that the 26-year-old will have a massive role to play in Disney World.

Nothing like having to prepare to defend three separate positions while you’re fighting for a new contract, right?

So long as opposing teams are utilizing small lineups, Anderson has the necessary athleticism, strength and versatility to make it work.

The Nets previously signed him to a 10-day contract back in January, so general manager Sean Marks is clearly intrigued by what he brings to the table. It’s also worth noting that Anderson made 14 starts this season with Brooklyn’s G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, with whom he averaged a team-high 20.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists across 33.6 minutes per game.

That impressive production resulted in the Virginia product receiving All-NBA G League Third Team honors.

With no Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie, DeAndre Jordan and Taurean Prince (among others), Anderson will be forced to shoulder a burden that he hasn’t been tasked with thus far in his NBA career. We’ll know soon enough if the former No. 21 overall pick is up for the challenge.

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