October 18

By: Azim

	Vital Facts
	Position: Shooting Guard College: Georgia Birthdate: 12/13/73 Height: 6-6 Acquired: Signed by the Rockets as a free agent on September 29, 1999. Contract Info: Signed for 3 years at $6.6 million, starting in the 1999-2000 season. Holds option for third year.

1999-2000 Stats

12.3 points per game
47.3% field goal shooting
2.91 assists per game
4.68rebounds per game
35.1% three point shooting


Career Highlights

Points: 35, (two times)
Assists: 8, March 26, 2000 vs. Bulls
Rebounds: 13, January 20, 2000 vs. Nuggets
Steals: 6, January 13, 2000 at Warriors
Minutes: 48 (two times)

Defensive Stopper

After three seasons in Utah (you have our sympathies, Shandon), Anderson signed on as a free agent in the summer of ’99 with the Rockets. Playing off the bench with the Jazz, Shandon came to H-town with the prospects of a starting job, and of course, the lure of the chance to play in a class organization.

Despite of what some outsider’s have said, he had a successful and solid first season with the Rockets. His in-your-face defense has earned him in the eyes of most as the club’s best defender, as he has often called upon to guard the opposing team’s top SG or SF. Although at times looking uncomfortable in the team’s system, arguably, "SA" was the most consistent Rocket all season.

In addition to being a solid defender, he is opportunistic on the offensive side, finding ways to sneak in points without demanding the ball or disrupting the team’s chemistry. In addition, he increased his scoring average each subsequent month of the NBA calendar during the ‘99/’00 season. Best of all, Shandon plays his hearts out, yet you will be hard-pressed to hear him complain or whine. If – or more appropriately – when, the Rockets win the championship, he is exactly the type of player people will be proclaiming as the "unsung hero" of the team.

2000-2001 Prognosis

As we head into a new season with many question marks, one certainty we will have is that Shandon Anderson will give us an honest effort and only help us become better. His scoring may not increase drastically – if at all – due to the team possessing enough capable scorers, but he must be more aggressive on the offensive side. He no doubt holds the skills to be effective on the score-sheet, and I predict he will average just below 14 pts/game. He has the athleticism to run the break, he can slash to the hole, is capable of draining the mid-range jumper, and at .351% his 3-point shot is not lethal, but dangerous enough to have his opponent respect it.

His career-high 35 points against Orlando in March was more than any other Rocket during the ‘99-’00 campaign, and yes, that includes Mr. Franchise himself. At 26, and with four years of NBA experience, SA contains the perfect mix of youth and experience. And being on a team known for its injuries, Shandon is a guy that can be counted upon being there. He was the only Rocket to not only play all 82 games last season, but start them all as well. Teaming with Cuttino, both SA and Cat form a formidable duo at the SG position, both consisting of contrasting styles and strengths, yet of similar importance to the team. This coming off-season Shandon will be a restricted free agent – much like Cuttino was last season – and it is imperative Houston resigns the defensive stopper for the sake of the team’s future. Without a doubt, all future success the Rockets experience, has directs ties with Shandon Anderson.