Baja, you need to look at the Ryan Anderson from New Olreans, not Orlando. There is no in-between with Anderson. At least with someone like Kevin Love, he can guard PFs. His only problem comes when he gets switched onto Gs.
Anderson's defense is beyond terrible.
Who are you watching? I'm serious. Anderson is literally bottom 15 in the entire league in terms of defense. I poopoo on Rondo's defense all the time, but at least Rondo still has the athleticism and quickness to keep up with any PG in the NBA. He also has great instincts in the passing lanes. Rondo's biggest problem is lack of defensive commitment. With Anderson, his problem is everything.
Please tell me who this magical non-terrible defensive player you're talking about. Ryan Anderson is absolutely ASS on defense. I don't ever use that term to describe players...but I will use it to describe Andersons' defense. It is absolutely terrrrrible. I'm extremely dumbfounded that someone like you who has by far, more basketball intellect than someone like me, would think Anderson's defense isn't a problem.
I was not implying that Andersons defense was great, or even good, but I do know how he has been able to play defense in the past. Now granted, that was some time ago, but I think, or at least hope, that how he's been used, and what has been asked of him on defense is part of why his defense has suffered. If you break his defense down between when he was asked to guard SF's as opposed to PF's there's quite a difference. I think what he brings on the offensive side of the ball, along with a good team defensive system could work.
If Anderson were 34 or 35 years old, I'd be more hesitant to sign him, but he's not. He's 28 years old. I think he still has plenty of gas left in the tank. When he was at Cal he was one of the best rebounders in the Pac 10, and his defense was above average. In his first few years in the NBA he played decent to good defense. As I said, that's some time ago, but I have no reason to believe that with the right system, and with a defensive minded coach, he'll be fine on the defensive side of the ball. If not, well then you can have the last laugh.
By the way, sorry if I was a bit gruff in my post. I'm dealing with some medical issues and I'm a little grumpy. So no disrespect intended.