When a group of 10 New Orleans Pelicans players held a series of voluntary workouts in Los Angeles this month, their daily post-practice conversations kept circling back to a similar topic: The physical transformation of Ryan Anderson. Following two offseasons interrupted by personal tragedy and the power forward’s recovery from a frightening herniated disc injury, respectively, this summer Anderson has had extended time to focus on his body. The results have been impressive.
“He moves a lot better,” new Pelicans strength and conditioning coach Jason Sumerlin said. “He was jumping and dunking every play (in Los Angeles). He’s been working.