James Anderson accepts camp invite with Atlanta (Update)

December 29, 2011; Houston, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard James Anderson (25) drives the ball past Houston Rockets guard Goran Dragic (3) in the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE

Update Aug. 27 3:31 p.m.: James Anderson agreed to join the Hawks’ veteran training camp according to Michael Cunningham. If he proves himself, he will earn a non-guaranteed contract.

Aug. 24 9:11 p.m.: Anderson was tentatively in the mix for the Spurs’ final roster spot after Derrick Byars was waived. But the possibility was still unlikely given his inability to stay on the floor and the dearth of more attractive options already at San Antonio’s disposal.

According to Danny Green’s twitter feed, Anderson has agreed to a deal with the Atlanta Hawks. No other reporter has knowledge of this deal currently so contract details are unknown. But it’s pretty likely that Anderson joins the Hawks at this point.

Got to show love n shout my guy @25_anderson out for the new deal with Atlanta…Congrats man! Bright future ahead

— Danny Green (@DGreen_14) August 25, 2012

Anderson appeared in 51 games last season, nearly double the amount of his rookie season, and appeared to have the inside track at the backup small forward position behind the incumbent, Richard Jefferson. He reportedly had an excellent training camp, giving all indication that his rookie season may have been a fluke.

Instead, San Antonio received a player incapable of scoring for himself, which was supposedly one of his greatest attributes, and couldn’t shoot from the perimeter. 60% of Anderson’s possessions last year were classified as spot-ups and transition, generally two of the most efficient possession types, and even then he graded as one of the least productive players in the NBA.

Perhaps he earns a significant role with Atlanta as the Joe Johnson trade has left them with a hole in which Anderson could potentially fill. He’s not quite the scorer like Johnson — considering Johnson has averaged 17.8 points for his career that’s pretty obvious — but he possesses a nice blend of athleticism and scoring prowess, which have yet to be showcased on a NBA floor.

This situation isn’t a bad one for Anderson. Maybe a change of scenery will finally be conducive to success at the NBA level.