Memory Lane : Kenny Anderson

Coming from the Queens section of New York, Kenny Anderson was Brandon Jennings before 'BJ's' parents had even contemplated conceiving the future Bucks point. Small and lithe but could get anywhere on the court he wanted. New York City has been known to produce some of the finest ball handlers basketball has ever seen and Anderson laid the blueprint for stars such as Stephon Marbury and Sebastian Telfair to later follow. Anderson had air-tight handle, sublime vision and an all-around court game that belied his 6'0 foot frame.

Two years playing college ball at Georgia Tech only enhanced his reputation and the man known as 'Chibbs' entered the NBA as a precocious twenty year old with the expectation of living up to the hype, and the pressure of representing New York. After a slow beginning in his rookie season Anderson was finally given the opportunity to play his natural free-flowing game the following year, and by his third year in the League – teaming up with Drazen Petrovic and Derrick Coleman – Anderson had asserted some of his playground nous and had the best statistical year of his career averaging 18.8 points and 9.6 assists.

He became an All-Star starter that season and played another season and a half in Jersey before forcing a trade to Charlotte mid season in 1995-96. He bounced around in the following years, playing for eight different franchises before retiring from the NBA in 2005. Chibbs never lived up to his Hall of Fame potential but nevertheless carved out a respectable career. His best years were at the Nets where he would leave as their all-time assists leader (before eventually being eclipsed by Jason Kidd).

Those of us old enough to remember Anderson in his heyday know why he is still held in high regard amongst hoops heads, those of you who may have been too young, well, you're welcome to find out on out trip down memory lane.

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