Anderson, 33, has missed Washington’s 51 games this season after undergoing surgery — his second in five months — to remove bone fragments from his left ankle on Oct. 13. When the Wizards signed Anderson to a one-year, $4 million contract in July, Anderson was certain he would be ready for the start of the season following an operation in May. But discomfort persisted as the 6-foot-6 swingman and another procedure was deemed necessary.

“When I came here to get ready for training camp and did more tests, it was like, ‘Damn, I still got pain,’ ” Anderson said. “The tests showed there were still some bone spurs rolling around in there and I had to get it done if I wanted to play. But I wish I would’ve found that out earlier so I could’ve had it done earlier and I’d be back already.”

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A spirited cheerleader at the end of the bench on most nights this season, Anderson went through Wednesday’s entire practice — Washington’s first after the all-star break — except for a few drills at the end. Anderson did cardio instead.

“There’s going to be a little discomfort,” Anderson said. “I haven’t played in [nine] months so I’m trying to get back in game shape, rhythm. It’s going to take a little time. But my body feels good. I just got to get back to the plays and the rhythm, down-back, guarding. Feeling good.”

Anderson is a role player that hasn’t played in a basketball game since May 1, so he won’t be a savior for the Wizards as they begin a 31-game stretch three games behind the eighth-place Charlotte Hornets. But he will be a welcomed addition for a team in need of defensive help and on-court leadership.

“He’s another vocal leader, veteran presence,” Wizards point guard John Wall said. “Knowing what to do defensively. Being able to knock down shots. Go play hard and bring some grit and grind to our team. Some aggressiveness and some dog.”

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Anderson’s inclusion will allow the Wizards to play Otto Porter Jr. more at power forward, where he has thrived recently. And though Gary Neal (leg) didn’t practice Wednesday, Anderson’s return would make the Wizards as healthy as they have been all season and force Coach Randy Wittman to make adjustments in his rotations.

“It’s a good problem if you look at it as a problem. I don’t look at it like that,” Wittman said. “I look at it as 15 guys healthy. Jiminy Christmas. This is the first time that I have not had to tell somebody they had to be on the injured list. Usually you got to a pick a couple guys to sit down.