Aleksandar Djordjevic stands optimistic for Kyle Anderson as the NBA veteran had a horrendous FIBA World Cup debut to add up in China’s forgettable 105-63 defeat against Serbia in their Group C opener on Saturday, Aug. 26.
“That is one game. For him also, this is his first time to play against a team like (Serbia). First time in the World Cup, so, everything needs time,” Chinese national team coach Djordjevic stated.
“We are just patient. Head up, we know what we have to do, and he knows what he has to do, and that’s it.”
Sporting his Chinese name “Li Kaier”, Anderson was an absolute negative for the Chinese squad upon going scoreless in nine total shot attempts in a team-high 25 minutes of play.
Thankfully, he was able to at least contribute with four boards and four assists.
Being an NBA-caliber player who holds a well rounded game and versatility, Djordjevic has noted that the Minnesota Timberwolves forward was just mainly victimized by the Serbians at the defensive end.
“I don’t like to talk personally unless some had really a great game then I can put emphasis on that and I can really put him in a great spotlight. He was inside our game and they found him everytime. Good traps on him, good situations defensively,” Djordjevic said. “He tried to find some open shots, but they did not go in. Some easy layups would have kept him going.”
Anderson and Team Dragon will look to recover from their painful tourney defeat as they face South Sudan on Monday.
