When Justin Anderson was about 5 years old, he dreamed about making it to the NBA.
He would practice taking jump shots, thinking he was Tracy McGrady or Penny Hardaway. It was a dream he shared with his brother, Edward, and sister, Resha, who each had their own aspirations to make it to the pros.
Now a three-year league veteran, Anderson hasn’t stopped dreaming.
“My dream now is to try and play for a championship one day,” Anderson said. “I’m sure everyone else in the league is with that goal, but I have a burning sensation in my belly to try to get there. That atmosphere is ridiculous and I want to play in that.”
Anderson has moved around the league in a short period. The Hawks are his third team in four years. He previously played for the Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers.
When he was drafted 21st overall by the Mavericks in 2015, he was ready to buy a large house in the Dallas area. Today, he lives in an apartment in Atlanta, learning that settling isn’t part of his NBA journey.
“The best thing about it is I still stay in contact with players from both teams, both Dallas and Philly,” he said. “(They are) some of the close friends that I have, and it makes me realize and it just shows me that it’s a part of my plan to get here and realize I got closer with guys here on the team.”
Anderson's time with the Hawks has had its ups and downs. He has struggled to earn significant playing time, seeing action in 43 games this season. He made his first start for Atlanta Friday against Portland, and his second came Sunday in the, 136-135, win over Milwaukee at State Farm Arena.
He recorded his first double-double this season, and the second of his career, scoring 24 points and 12 rebounds against the Bucks. He led the team in scoring, and recorded a career-high in boards.
“He set the tone, first basket of the game was him getting an offensive rebound,” Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce said. "That’s just effort, that’s his effort, his engine. He played with that effort all game and obviously he was able to knock down some threes on top of it. But that was him stepping up, and that’s what you want.”
Anderson continues to persevere since joining the Hawks last year. He had to earn the trust of his teammates and coaches, while also working hard during practice. He encourages teammates while waiting for his moment.
“I think he has been a tremendous teammate,” Pierce said. “He’s taken advantage of every opportunity I’ve given him.”
Forward Deandre Bembry said he’s talked with Anderson throughout the season.
Bembry knows a thing or two about earning game minutes. He said he understood any frustration Anderson has felt and encouraged him to wait for his time.
Anderson has taken the advice to heart and maintains his focus, working to better himself and prepare for those moments he earns.
“One of my favorite Bible verses is ‘he who is faithful with little will receive more’ and so I just try to take every little ounce of playing time that I get,” Anderson said. “Whether it’s at the end of games, last minute, last two minutes, just put myself in a position to play the game the right way.
“Hopefully, it’s going to continue to pay off for the rest of the season."
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