High-resolution velocity map imaged photoelectron spectra of the nitrite anion NO2- are measured over a range of photodetachment wavelengths between 355 and 550 nm, resolving the vibrational and rotational structure of the NO2((X) over tilde (2)A(1)) + e(-) <- NO2-((X) over tilde (1)A(1)) + h nu transition. A full rotational band model is constructed to define the spectroscopic constants of both the neutral and the lesser studied anion ground states. The corresponding photoelectron angular distributions are characterized by a large positive anisotropy parameter, with beta approximate to 1.5 gradually increasing to beta approximate to 1.7 upon approaching the threshold. However, at very low kinetic energies, within 0.1 eV of the threshold, beta dramatically drops to 0. This behavior is a consequence of the Wigner near-threshold selectivity of the electron partial-wave cross sections, whereby an atomic p-like orbital character adjacent to the threshold is favored. The full kinetic energy dependence of beta is reproduced by a new mixed spd orbital model, yielding a NO2-((X) over tilde (1)A(1)) molecular-orbital decomposition of 2% p, 44% s, and 54% d character.