ANTONIO ANDERSON IS BACK!

(My thinking is using all caps will help to convey the incredible awesomeness of that statement. So, please, take a moment to let it all sink in).

This is without a doubt the right move by Anderson. He's so close to the NBA, it's tantalizing. A number of teams have shown interest in Anderson over the last year, from Charlotte to Oklahoma City to Denver to Houston. That means he's doing something right. Coach Finch said a few weeks ago Inside the Vipers Nest that he thinks Anderson is an NBA players, it's just a matter of winning the numbers game and finding the right fit.

There's no question Anderson adds grit to the defense that is certainly needed. He's one of the best defensive players in the league and can certainly help to keep opposing teams from scoring 115 points on a nightly basis (granted, that's happen in all of one game, but it's never too early to add to the defense).

Anderson also adds fire power on offense, not only as a slasher that can play at shooting guard and small forward, but as a play maker. He can be the second point guard the Vipers need when Mustafa Shakur needs a breather, and he can be a dangerous weapon when they're both out there.

This certainly crowds the back court a little bit with Shakur, Richard Roby (31 points in the opener), Jerel McNeal and Isaiah Swann also back there, but it'll probably work itself out. Usually does.

What this does for both McNeal and Swann is help them to become more open for good three-point looks since they never have to worry about running the offense.

Terrel Harris had a very strong game starting at small forward (19 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists), so I can't imagine he gets pulled from the starting lineup. Does McNeal? Or does Anderson come off the bench for a couple of games (like Will Conroy in his first game with the Vipers and Mike Harris in his first two games after his first GATORADE Call-Up)?

Good problem to have, eh?