New Orleans Pelicans season review roundtable: Ryan Anderson

Jan 25, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward

(41) is defended by New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) during a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Mavericks 109-106. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Does Anderson’s offense make up for his defensive struggles?

Charles: This is a tough question because any other year it’s a resounding yes but I would have to say this year his defensive shortcomings hurt more than his offense helped. Obviously each game is different and there were games that Ryno won for the Pelicans, but his defense this year was worse than usual as he graded out as the second worst power forward on defense this year. Take into account the inconsistencies of his shot and Ryno become a complete liability in games. Late in the season Monty recognized this and it contributed to why his minutes decreased in the second half of the season.

Joe: This season it did not, but I am willing give it another year before making a decision. Anderson cannot be the last line of defense at the rim, and many times, especially late in the year, he was. When he is on the floor we have to hope his shooting and spacing outweigh his defensive limitations.

Rick: When he’s being paired up with Alexis Ajinca and Omer Asik, no. Neither of those guys did a great job at helping balance out Anderson’s defensive woes when he was on the floor. During his time with Dwight Howard, it was easy for his defensive game to be masked because Howard was one of the biggest forces on defense in the paint. Yet even with Anthony Davis‘ freakishly long arm span, it can’t mask how much Ryan struggles against bigger and taller guys in the paint. I think there is a way in the NBA Anderson’s defensive issues can be masked, but I’m not sure it can be done with this roster the Pelicans have.

Matt: Most of the time this season it didn’t but I think part of the reason why was scheme. Anderson was asked to be a rim protector when he was on the floor and it just didn’t work. Figuring out a way to minimize his defensive responsibility is the key going forward.

Next: Why the struggles?