Justin Anderson says Dirk is his favorite player, hot dogs aren't sandwiches

Mavericks rookie and first round pick Justin Anderson jumped on Reddit for an "Ask Me Anything" on Thursday. It was generally a mild interview, but there were a few standout answers that we'll have here.

Anderson also answered one of my questions and he answered with a vigor I frankly hadn't expected. More on that in a bit. Regardless, it's good to see the rook open up and show a bit of personality. Here's a link to the entire post if you'd like to see it -- we'll just have the highlights below (which honestly, most of the answers were pretty cookie cutter, so that really should be all you need).

Q: Do you think you will consider the dunk contest later on?

A: Absolutely! I was just talking to Jeremy Evans about it. I don't have anything ready. But I have time to get something ready though.

Q: Huge Mavs fan and glad we picked you up! On another note, who's the funniest guy on the team so far?

A: It's a toss up between Sammy D, Jeremy Evans, or JJ Barea. And Dirk.

Q: What's your go-to Bodo's order?

A: Love that place. Sausage egg and cheese on plain with large orange juice with ice!

I googled Bodo's and it's a Virginia thing, where Anderson went to college, of course. Orange juice with ice seems highly questionable to me -- you're watering it down and getting less juice -- but whatever, it's not the most egregious thing I've ever seen.

Q: Can you do a "What are thoose?!" vid with Coach Carlisle as the victim?

A: Not unless I want to ask him for minutes and he answers "What are thoose?!"

That's a good answer.

Q: is a hot dog a sandwich?

A: A hot dog is NOT a sandwich. A sandwich is closed off on the top and bottom. A hot dog is open-ended. Haha!

This was the question I asked and I certainly didn't predict this sort of reaction. Rookies often have trouble playing with confidence, but if Anderson is as self-assured on the court as he was with this answer, I think he's going to be just fine.

Q: Hey Justin, what about the NBA season are you looking forward to most and what part least?

A: I'm looking forward to playing against great talent night in and night out. Not looking forward to how many games there are in the season. Talking to Deron Williams he told me I'll be playing my whole college career in one season.

Q: Justin! Hope you're enjoying Dallas big dawg. Wanted to ask about the first time you met Dirk. It must have been a little surreal.

A: It was very surreal because he was my favorite player growing up. I loved watching him play on TV and play in the video games. And to see him and get the opportunity to introduce myself to him as his teammate was a feeling that could never be replaced.

Q: Welcome to Big D Justin! People not from Texas often hold stereotypes on how it really is here. What is something you thought was true about Texas until you actually got here?

A: Everybody wears a cowboy hat and cowboy boots in every part of Texas. I did see that in Arlington at a Cowboys game though.

Q: Justin! Glad to have you on the team! Do you have any pre-game rituals?

A: Yes, but I'm very superstitious so I cannot share them. But I have to follow them to a T before every game!

This season's investigative journalism project: figuring out Anderson's pre-game rituals. I will not let you down.

Q: Hey Justin, big fan here! Just wondering 2 things, why do you associate with the character Simba? and which one of your teammates gives you the hardest time for being a rookie? Good luck in your NBA career, can't wait to see you play at the AAC!

A: Growing up, if my mom wanted to put a movie on I would always ask for the Lion King. I love Simba's ambition, his fight, relentlessness. He wants it even though he's not always capable of it. And I wasn't old enough to be Mufasa. And I just can't wait to be king!!!

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: I don't have an all time favorite yet but right now it's Max(war dog)

He got the "correct" answer half right with the Max part, just forgot to add "Mad" to the beginning.

Q: J cole, Kendrick, or Drizzy???

A: J Cole. The reason why is because all three of those guys are really dominating the music industry right now for content. However I like J Cole because he was a ball player and a lot of his punchlines have a lot do with basketball because that was his thing growing up.

Questionable pick, rook.

Q: What is your favorite pre game meal?

A: Penne pasta noodles with vodka sauce, veggies, and fruit.