Q+A with James Anderson: Always ready, helping Manu's recovery & more
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY -- San Antonio Spurs second-year guard James Anderson had some expectations heading into this 
season.
After having his rookie season hampered with an injury (stress fracture in right foot) and being assigned to the San Antonio Spurs D-League affiliate Austin Toros for rehabilitation and to get back in game shape, this past summer, he played well during the Las Vegas Impact League and had many Spurs fans hoping to see him have a breakout season.
Fast forward to this season and after a quick start to the condensed season, his minutes dropped after Danny Green began to find his rhythm with the Spurs and now finds himself getting spot minutes.
However, Anderson is remaining positive and staying ready for the team whenever he is called upon.
While the Spurs were in New Jersey to face the Nets during their East coast leg of the Rodeo Road Trip, I caught up with Anderson to discuss his thoughts on the team, what he is doing to remain positive and ready for action, how he helped Manu Ginobili come back to the court after his hand injury, and much more.
How would you assess the team so far?
I think we are coming together as far as defensively. With Manu (Ginobili) back, that's a huge piece back to the puzzle. We're continuing to put the defense together. I think we are doing a good job so far especially without having any practice. I think if we continue doing what we're doing, putting the defense together, everybody healthy as possible, we can go a long way.
How are you coming along as far as getting back into the rotation?
I feel great just to be out there. Anytime I can get out there, boost some energy off the bench and contribute, it's always great for me and for the team. To get out on the floor and when I get out there to bring some energy to the team.
You know you almost had Kris Humphries on that dunk attempt during the game.
(laughs) Yeah! I had him! I didn't realize how strong he was and I went up pretty hard.
How about your fellow teammate Tony Parker making the All-Star squad and representing the Spurs?
It means a lot for himself and for the organization to have him representing the Spurs. He earned it and he deserves it.
What was the feeling among the team to have Manu come back?
Of course everybody is happy to have him back. Me and Cory (Joseph) were helping him train as far as getting back in shape and stuff. We kind of have been there along with him and you know how Manu is! He is always ready to get out on the floor. He's such a competitor. We're fortunate to have him back.
And how are you doing as far as being ready to get action on the court?
As far as my pregame warm-ups, I'm just going out there, trying to be sharp with my moves and shots. Just trying to stay in shape the best I can. When the minutes comes, I'm just mentally prepared and just go out and bring a spark to the team.
Click HERE for my Q&A with Tiago Splitter and HERE for the Q&A with Cory Joseph.
what i dont understand is that Anderson was playing with a lot of confident an agression then all of a sudden u just quit playing the guy. tell u the truth i dont see much in Neal,Leonard or Green. i mean yea some games u will have a good game but then that next u might not have an luck an thats with all of them the new players an the old ones. i say give the guy a chance to prove him self. u cant do much with 1min here an there. i have seen a lot of talent in him.
Sadly the FO just decided to save a little money(which nearly cannot sign anyone but D-leaguers) and let this young man go. Probably they want to sign him a long and very cheapy contract when he becomes an FA. But If I'm JA I won't sign with the Spurs.
During my Q&A with him I can tell he is itching to get minutes but what can he do other than prove it in practice and when he gets minutes. And seeing how practice is a rarity in the short season, he has to ride this out.
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James Anderson is real gentleman. Despite his being benched, he has only good words for the team and its coaching staff. His not taking too many shots, it's a character hard to find. He is a team player. His seeming shyness and hesitance to take a shot shows that he defers to more senior players of the team unlike Green or Neal who are selfish and taking too many shots unmindful of the oppportunity and result. Next season he will be a free agent, then he can sign with another team. What a waste of talent!!!!!!!!!!
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I wish he would have gotten a little harder questions actually. like do you think playing time was unfairly taken away from you after you were assumed right out of the gate after Manu went down? I understand he didn't take control of the opportunity like say Danny Green has now, but the fact that Pop can barely play him is confusing to me. He should be getting a lot more minutes because I believe the boy can play. It is just unfair that because he didn't play well, that he can not play at all now. This after everyone saying he actually had the best training camp out of everyone. Pop needs to mold him in to get ready, and not throw him under the bus like I believe has happened. Agree or disagree?
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@djwes21 I'd have to agree love Anderson super athletic and love that he can slash has the ability to be a real scoring threat with more playing time.
WHAT HAPPEN TO OUR ALL-AMERICAN??!!!!
This guy has potential but does anyone notice how timid he is when he's out there he just kind of hoovers ard the 3 point line!
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@NorCalSpursFan honestly I was really big on Anderson and I think he has it in him but come on you look at Leonard how he goes out there and competes. In compare to Kawhi, Anderson plays like a potato, there's no aggression. He does have a lot of talent he just needs to get faster lateral speed and get more aggressive.
