The All-Big 12 floor general brings elite perimeter shooting and high-level playmaking to the perimeter. Explore how this prolific Red Raider could reshape the Kings' backcourt rotation.
Just four days out from the NBA Draft Lottery, we at KingsRoundtable are highlighting some of the top prospects for Sacramento to target.
If the Kings don't luck into their 12.5-percent odds at the No. 1 overall pick, prospects like Keaton Wagler of Illinois, Darryn Peterson of Kansas, Darius Acuff of Arkansas and Cameron Boozer of Duke are all projected to be high-end lottery picks, leaving a lot of talent peering in on the outside of top-14 projections.
In this profile, sophomore Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson is the focus, coming off of a career-year with the Red Raiders where he earned All-Big 12 First Team honors.
Floor General
Anderson broke out in his first year as a full-time starter, averaging 18.5 points, 7.4 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game, serving as the Red Raiders' table setter and offensive initiator.
The 6-foot-3 combo guard was third in the nation in assists per game, recording eight games with 10 or more assists.
After Anderson's running mate, JT Toppin, went down with an injury, Anderson took on a much larger offensive role, also showing increased activity on the glass.
Late in the season, Anderson played all 40 minutes in an 80-68 victory over Cincinnati, recording a season-high 31 points to go with seven assists and 11 rebounds.
This marked a fourth-straight game for Anderson with five or more rebounds.
High-Level Shooter
Anderson plays with great pace and is dangerous the second stepping over half court.
The two-year Red Raider shot at a 41.5 percent clip throughout the season, knocking down more than three 3-pointers per game.
Anderson excels in the pick-and-roll using his pacing and range to attack different defensive coverages.
In the NBA, Anderson will likely play a lead guard role where he has the ball in his hands, using his ball handling and passing ability to create open looks for perimeter shooters.
However, Anderson's knockdown shooting ability also allows him to play off the ball as a secondary guard.
Areas For Growth
Anderson will need to put on weight to be able to defend larger guards at the next level.
He also needs to clean up the turnover bug just a bit, as he averaged 3.3 per game in his expanded role this season.
Draft Projection
In ESPN's latest mock draft, Anderson was taken No. 19 overall by the Toronto Raptors.
With the immense guard depth at the top of the draft board, Anderson will likely fall out of the lottery, but is a high-value, high-floor pick for the remainder of the first round.
Are Kings a Fit?
The Kings need to get younger in the back court and Anderson would provide an NBA-ready level jump shot with high-end playmaking upside.
The Kings' big men would also benefit from Anderson's ability in the pick-and-roll game, setting up Maxime Raynaud and Domantas Sabonis for efficient looks at the rim.
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