Orlando Magic Shooting Month: Top 20 shooters in Orlando Magic history
Top 20 Shooters in Orlando Magic History
7. Ryan Anderson
By Jean Racine
No one expected Ryan Anderson to be as good as he eventually was in an Orlando Magic uniform.
The potential was there being that Anderson was the 21st overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by the New Jersey Nets. But the 6-foot-9 power forward put it all together in Orlando.
Anderson made his way to Orlando via a blockbuster trade with the Nets. The Magic acquired Anderson along with Vince Carter in exchange for Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee and Tony Battie.
Anderson made an immediate impact in Orlando. He got jolted into the starting lineup to replace Rashard Lewis, who was suspended 10 games for testing positive for a banned substance. Anderson filled in well for Lewis with his shooting and made a great early impression on the Magic faithful.
In his first season in Orlando, Anderson averaged 7.7 points and shot 37 percent from three on 3.3 attempts a game. Those numbers would jump to 16.1 points and 39 percent from three on 5.5 attempts per game in his last season with the Magic, which earned him the Most Improved Player of the Year Award. Orlando got its money’s worth in the Anderson trade.
I listed Anderson as high as fourth all-time on the Magic best shooter list because he was efficient and his shooting touch was evident. He was not the flashiest player, but he was reliable and he was the prototypical stretch-4. Anderson was a dangerous asset, who space spaced the floor well alongside Dwight Howard.
Furthermore, in his three seasons with the Magic, Anderson shot 38 percent from three.
To point out his mechanics, Anderson had good form and a quick release. He did not get the most lift on his jumpers, but it worked. Anderson made an impact as an offensive rebounder and had a good low post game, but he is remembered for his shooting.
In all, the one other player that comes to mind when I think of Ryan Anderson is Pat Garrity because of their playing style and stature. Both were great shooters, but Anderson’s numbers are even better than Garrity’s.
Anderson’s shooting percentage and impact should place him in the top-5 all-time in Magic shooting history.