Washington Wizards 2015 NBA Draft Prospects Primer: The Wings

Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Anderson: Jr., Virginia

Virginia rode a swarming, stifling defense to a 19-0 start this season, getting just enough offense to get by – one of the biggest keys to the operation was shooting guard Justin Anderson, who showed up in his junior season as one of the very best 3-point shooters in the country.

Virginia’s second-leading scorer at 12.2 points per game, Anderson shot a lights-out 45.2% from long range, second in the ACC behind only Miami’s Davon Reed. There are a lot of reasons why Anderson’s a very appealing prospect in the latter half of the first round: he’s already a top-notch spot-up shooter, he’s strong for his size at 6-foot-6, he’s an underrated athlete and he was a key cog in one of the country’s best defenses.

When most people think of Justin Anderson they think of his ability as a shooter, but he’s a transition rim-rattler with great leaping ability, a guy who I think would make an excellent running mate for John Wall.

Anderson’s impact on defense shouldn’t be diminished either – he’s a great combination of athleticism, strength and wingspan, giving him the ability to guard multiple positions. As a substandard ballhandler and finisher at the rim, Anderson’s limited in his offensive repertoire (sound like any Arizas we know?), but he’s a player who has the potential to stick as a 3-and-D wing.

Paired up with John Wall, he could be a deadly threat for years to come.

Next: 3) RJ Hunter