The first round of the NBA Draft is June 23, and Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson could be the steal that teams regret missing out on.
After two seasons in college, Anderson declared for the draft and has the potential to be a valuable selection. He’s best known for his shooting, going 40% from three (on over six attempts per game) over the course of his collegiate career, and 41.5% on nearly eight attempts per game last season.
To find that much success with that volume in college is impressive. Anderson’s ability to create space to get a good shot, regardless of distance, makes him a dangerous offensive threat from anywhere on the court. At 6-foot-1, his size can be seen as a disadvantage, but the quickness and agility he possesses make up for it.
In addition to his extraordinary shooting, the Atlanta, GA native is a skilled passer. Anderson ranked third in the country with 7.4 assists per game last season. Given his quick shot release and passing ability, he is a lethal weapon in the pick-and-roll game, making any pass to an open teammate regardless of the traffic in front of him.
J.T. Toppin was Anderson’s main partner in the pick-and-roll at Texas Tech. The forward was averaging nearly 22 points per game before suffering an injury that kept him out of the conference and March Madness tournaments. In the first game Toppin missed, against Kansas State on Feb 21, Anderson successfully took on a larger role, going 8-for-13 with 21 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds in the 100-72 victory.
The biggest knock against Anderson is his size. After being listed at 6-foot-3 in college, he measured at just below 6-foot-1. He does make up for it with a 6-foot-6 wingspan, but the lack of height will scare teams off. Defense isn’t his strong suit either.
The 2026 NBA Draft is filled with an abundance of talented prospects, especially at point guard. The All-Big 12 First Team member will be overlooked, but he has the potential to be a franchise-altering player. Darius Garland is a common comparison for Anderson, with better shot-making ability.
Where Could Christian Anderson Get Picked?
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo had the Memphis Grizzlies picking Anderson 16th overall in his most recent mock draft, being the 7th guard selected. Woo has Darryn Peterson, Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff Jr, Mikel Brown Jr, Kingston Flemings, and Brayden Burries ahead of him. Fellow guard Labaron Philon Jr was chosen with the 17th pick in Woo’s mock. The middle of the first round seems to be Anderson’s range.
The fit with the Grizzlies actually makes perfect sense. Ja Morant has his off-the-court struggles, which may push him out of Memphis. The Grizzlies are in the midst of a rebuild, and the former Red Raiders point guard could be an ideal candidate.
Anderson would be given a green light to shoot whatever, wherever if he lands in Memphis. He could find his footing offensively while playing alongside former first-round picks Cedric Coward and Zach Edey. After trading Jaren Jackson Jr and Morant rarely being on the court, the Grizzlies need talent, and Anderson provides that.
To play matchmaker, other fun spots for the guard would be the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, or Oklahoma City Thunder, who all have picks before Memphis. If Anderson falls, the Toronto Raptors or San Antonio Spurs would be entertaining spots. All these teams either lack general talent during a rebuilding stage (Bucks, Heat, Spurs) or could use a shot-creating guard for the rotation (Thunder, Spurs).
Anderson’s ceiling is as high as anyone’s in this draft. He may not be getting the attention from teams selecting in the top 10, but those franchises will regret their choices if the Texas Tech star is able to continue playing his game at the NBA level.
