Draymond Green has an exceptional memory, and he often draws on it as a resource in the game. This week, he shared a particular memory that illustrates how Kyle Anderson, now his Warriors teammate, brings an under-the-radar impact that may not make social media but makes a difference on the court.
“I used to hate playing against him,” Green admitted after a recent game. “I remember once, he stretched his long arm out, intercepted my pass, and I thought, ‘How did he even get that?’” This moment encapsulates the mystery many players feel when going up against Anderson—a player whose subtle plays and unique presence are hard to defend against, even after 11 seasons in the NBA.
In Tuesday night’s victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, Green had the pleasure of watching Anderson’s defense stifle the Pelicans’ star, Zion Williamson. Known as “Slo-Mo” for his deliberate style, Anderson managed to stop Williamson, a feat that was anything but slow. “I’m just glad he’s on our side now,” Green added.
Kyle Anderson Impact isn’t known for flashy athleticism. At 6-foot-9 and 230 pounds, with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, his game isn’t about dunks or speed. Instead, he combines his physical presence with one of the sharpest minds in basketball, making him a valuable asset to any team. Anderson’s versatility allows him to play nearly every position, and his defensive prowess has proven invaluable as he becomes an essential part of the Warriors’ lineup.
Having played for San Antonio, Memphis, and Minnesota, Anderson brings a wealth of experience to the Golden State. His presence helped the Warriors sweep back-to-back wins over the Pelicans, justifying the decision to add him to the roster this offseason.
“What he contributes doesn’t always show up in stats,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr. “He has an incredible basketball IQ, sees the game like a chessboard, and has an undeniable impact.”
In Tuesday’s game, Anderson showcased his underrated influence. Though he missed all nine of his shots and scored just one point from the free-throw line, he contributed across the board—grabbing rebounds, making assists, and adding five of the Warriors’ 15 steals. Anderson’s court vision helped the Warriors rebound from a 20-point deficit, outscoring the Pelicans by 35 points over the final three quarters.
One of the Warriors’ most effective lineups included Anderson and Green, both acting as point guards alongside shooters Buddy Hield and Lindy Waters II, with Jonathan Kuminga as a cutting option. This lineup recorded a +10 in efficiency, showing Anderson’s role in anchoring both offense and defense.
Five games into his Warriors career, Anderson is already calling plays and disrupting the Pelicans’ rhythm. With Stephen Curry and De’Anthony Melton sidelined Anderson assumed the role of point guard, orchestrating plays and setting up his teammates for success. On Wednesday, he achieved a perfect shooting night, going 4-for-4, and matching his total points from the first four games in just one.
Green praised Anderson’s adaptability: “He ran the offense for us. He’s incredibly versatile and brings a level of trust that’s rare in this league.”
Having faced Kyle Anderson Impact 45 times across a decade of conference matchups, including playoffs with the Spurs and Grizzlies, the Warriors know his value firsthand. Both Green and Kerr expressed relief at no longer facing Anderson as an opponent, with Kerr noting, “He’s one of those guys who just disrupts everything. It’s great to have him on our side.”
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