As soon as San Antonio Spurs fans became aware that Stephen Jackson would be out with an injury he suffered in the first quarter of Monday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers, the search for an available small forward immediately began, considering Kawhi Leonard is also injured.
While I listed several D-League prospects the Spurs could call up, I thought the injury could mean the return of James Anderson in black and silver, as did many other Spurs fans and bloggers.
The former Oklahoma State guard/forward is likely now on his way to Boston as the team has officially announced his signing, calling him up from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the D-League.
Anderson participated in training camp with the Atlanta Hawks this past October before signing with the D-League. He appeared in six preseason games in Atlanta and averaged 2.0 points in 10.7 minutes.
Anderson's signing makes plenty of sense for the Spurs. It's a low-risk move that brings in a player with corporate knowledge who will not have to adjust to playing in a new system. For the Spurs fans that think this could give Anderson another chance to make a home in San Antonio, it's more of a stopgap and keeps the Spurs from having to play small against every time on their schedule while Jackson and Leonard are out.
There's no doubting Anderson's talent, but consistency and confidence have kept him from making a home in the NBA. Perhaps now, with another opportunity in place, Anderson will make the most of it.
When originally asked what moves the Spurs might make to shore up the frontcourt with the absence of both small forwards, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talked about recalling Cory Joseph who had just recently been assigned to the Austin Toros.
While Joseph is a few inches shy of playing small forward, the Spurs have indeed recalled the second-year guard.
Joseph played in one game for the Toros against Anderson's Vipers, finishing with 19 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Joseph bested Anderson, who finished with 16 points and six rebounds.
Anderson and Joseph will be available for tonight's matchup with the Boston Celtics.
