By D’Ann Faught
Cross-posted from TorosNation.com
One of the benefits of the NBA D-League is that the fans get a sneak peek at some talent of the future. Attendees to the Austin Toros morning game on Wednesday got a special treat when James Anderson, the San Antonio Spurs 2010 first-round draft pick, suited up for the Toros in a conditioning stint.
James Anderson was drafted 20th overall this year by the San Antonio Spurs from Oklahoma State. The 6’6” guard from Oklahoma State started off a promising season in San Antonio, averaging 7 points per game and converting on 50% of his three-point attempts. Unfortunately for the Spurs, Anderson was sidelined in mid-November with a stress fracture in his fifth metatarsal. The injury required surgery and has kept Anderson on the bench since November.
After rumors had been swirling for over a week, James Anderson was finally assigned to the Austin Toros to get some game time in the D-League before his return to San Antonio. Good news for Spurs fans? Anderson looked strong in his debut during the Toros win today, getting 11:35 of playing time and scoring 12 points for the victors.
Anderson went in for 5:12 in the first quarter, but then sat out for the remainder of the first half. Anderson said the first five minutes he was “just trying to get loose and find a good rhythm.” Having not played with the team he also faced the challenge of “getting a feel for the guys.” In the third period, he came out and started contributing right away on the scoreboard. Anderson said he was happy to be “able to create…able to find some guys and some shots for himself.”
After the game Anderson said his foot felt good and that he felt like he was “back to 100 percent.” He mentioned that it felt good playing on it and landing on it, but he knew that he would have to work to be ready for the Spurs when they call. Anderson said that the Spurs have not given him any timetable for his return, but instead were playing it by ear and seeing how he progresses. While Anderson will likely be with the Toros for a few games to work into playing more minutes and getting back into basketball condition, it will not be long before he is back in the NBA at this rate.
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