The following is part of Raptors Republic’s preview series for the 2026-27 series. You can find all the other pieces here.
The Raptors have spent the last few years adding viable forwards to their roster. Kyle Anderson is one of the latest additions.
At 6-foot-8 and 230 pounds, Anderson brings 12 years of NBA experience to a Toronto roster that is already pretty loaded with players who can play the forward spots. He averaged 6.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and one steal in 43 games last season while splitting time between the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves.
So why bring in another forward? The answer is pretty simple: Anderson gives Toronto a bevy of veteran experience.
He has been around the league since 2014 and has appeared in 757 regular-season games. He has played for six different teams, filled a variety of roles and understands what it takes to contribute without necessarily being a major part of the offence. All of that could be important in Toronto.
Anderson’s biggest challenge entering this season might have nothing to do with his game. It involves the depth chart. Scottie Barnes, Kawhi Leonard, Collin Murray-Boyles, RJ Barrett and Allen Graves are all likely to compete for minutes ahead of him at various points throughout the season.
Anderson may not have a consistent role every night, so he will have to take advantage of the opportunities that come his way. Luckily, his game is built for that.
Anderson does not need the ball constantly to make an impact. He is comfortable handling it when needed, sees the floor well and can create opportunities for teammates. Defensively, his size lets him switch onto different types of players and gives Toronto another option depending on the matchup.
Anderson has never been known for playing at fastbreak speed. His “Slo-Mo” nickname is pretty fitting, as he is comfortable taking his time, reading the defence and waiting for the right opportunity instead of forcing something.
That could give Toronto a different look offensively. The Raptors already have plenty of younger players who can push the pace, but Anderson can come in and help settle things down when a possession needs some patience.
His recent stint in Minnesota showed he can still make an impact when given a larger role. The Timberwolves brought him in late in the season, and he served as a secondary creator while also providing veteran leadership.
One of his best performances came against the Houston Rockets late in the regular season, when he recorded 17 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and two steals on 7-of-12 shooting. Toronto obviously should not expect that kind of production every time Anderson steps on the floor. However, it shows he still has some offensive juice when he gets the opportunity to use it.
Anderson’s arrival also has some history attached. He spent four seasons alongside Kawhi Leonard in San Antonio from 2014 to 2018. Leonard eventually moved to Toronto and helped the Raptors win the 2019 championship, while Anderson left the Spurs for Memphis.
Leonard and Anderson will once again share a locker room. That familiarity could make Anderson’s transition a little easier, especially as he joins his seventh NBA team.
There is also another big reason his arrival could be useful for the Raptors. Toronto previously had Garrett Temple in a similar veteran role. Temple eventually retired as a player and joined the Dallas Mavericks’ coaching staff, but his value in Toronto went beyond his minutes on the court.
Anderson can offer some of that same stability. He has been through the ups and downs of a long NBA season and can give younger players another veteran voice around the team. Unlike Temple, though, Anderson can still be called upon when Toronto needs another body on the floor. He is a stronger defender and more versatile offensive player than Temple.
For Anderson, the minutes may not always be there. However, over an 82-game season, opportunities will come, and when they do, the Raptors will be hoping Slo-Mo can make them count.
