Is A.J. Green Better Than Derek Anderson? NBA Stats Decide

Few NBA comparisons generate more debate than A.J. Green vs Derek Anderson. The numbers reveal a genuinely competitive matchup — Derek Anderson takes 4 categories while A.J. Green claims 3, making this one of the closer head to head comparisons at the G position. Every statistical category matters in a matchup this tight.

Derek Anderson's Steals Per Game of 1.1 compared to A.J. Green's 0.4 represents a 175% advantage — dramatically better than their counterpart in this critical category. It is the single most decisive number in this comparison and the clearest statistical argument for Derek Anderson's edge.

The most competitive category in this matchup is Free Throw %, where A.J. Green posts 86.1% against Derek Anderson's 84.0% — a gap of just 2.5%. A.J. Green can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 4-3 tally suggests. In any debate, Free Throw % is the statistical ammunition for the A.J. Green side.

In NBA history, backcourt players are judged on their ability to create offense for themselves and teammates alike. Points per game captures scoring but assists and efficiency metrics reveal the complete offensive picture.

The verdict favors Derek Anderson — 4 categories to 3 — but A.J. Green makes this far from a one-sided debate. Anyone building the case for A.J. Green has real statistical ammunition particularly in Free Throw % where the gap narrows to just 2.5%. The numbers have spoken, but the argument will continue.