3 goals for Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson this season

1. Average 16 points per 36 minutes

Using per 36 minutes scoring is the best gauge of how effective of a scorer a player is, especially while playing limited minutes, as it explains how many points the player would have scored if they had played 36 minutes per game. Anderson posted 16 points per 36 minutes in each of his seven seasons prior to joining the Rockets in 2016 and even averaged 16.7 points per 36 minutes in his first season with the Rockets.

Although he took a backseat during his second season, Anderson still posted an efficient 12.9 points per 36 minutes during his second season in Houston. Anderson will certainly be motivated and determined to prove he still can contribute on the offensive end, but will also be eager to prove to many of the former Ryno fans that General Manager Daryl Morey made the right decision in bringing him back to the team.

Anderson is certainly going to get his looks when he is on the floor. The odds are high that he’ll always be playing with either Russell Westbrook or James Harden on the court, as Mike D’Antoni has said he wants to stagger the minutes of his star backcourt. Anderson will have the opportunity to resume his role he had during his first stint in Houston in which he averaged 15 points per 36 minutes.

If Anderson can get back up to 16 or better, he will surely be able to earn more minutes and cover up his weaknesses on the defensive end of the floor with his stellar offensive play. It helps that Anderson has familiarity with D’Antoni and will also be able to have a defined role on the team.

The fact that the Rockets have announced that they will play him at center is a good sign, as that means they are already trying to find a way to get him on the floor. It’s up to him to make the most out of his second chance.