After losing Paul Pierce in free agency and losing out on David West, the Washington Wizards looked for a replacement and looks like they found one. According to TNT’s David Aldridge, the Wizards have signed Alan Anderson to a one-year, $4 million contract.
Wizards near agreement with Nets free agent swingman Alan Anderson, per source.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 7, 2015
As part of the deal Washington will use part of their mid-level exception to sign the 10-year veteran. With the free agent market dwindling, Washington needed help in the front court. The Wizards’ front court took a hit after Pierce left to go to the Los Angeles Clippers, and after missing on David West. While the veteran forward will not produce strong numbers, he will be a contributor off the bench.
While Anderson adds a veteran presence off the bench, the Wizards will need Otto Porter Jr. to take a step as he heads into his third season in the league. After a poor rookie season, Porter Jr. improved last season as he averaged 6.0 points, 3.0 rebounds-per-game while shooting 45% from the field. The third-year forward will need to improve to show he can be a quality starter for a playoff team like Washington. Last season Anderson averaged 7.4 points, 2.8 rebounds-per-game while shooting 44% from the field.
After going undrafted in 2005, Anderson has spent six seasons in the league with the Charlotte Bobcats (now Charlotte Hornets), Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets. The forward has spent time in the D-League with the Tulsa 66ers, New Mexico Thunderbirds and Canton Charge. In addition, he has spent time with the Virtus Bologna, Triumph Lyubertsy, Cibona, Maccabi Tel Aviv, FC Barcelona, and Shandong Lions.
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