Return of the Birdman
After a two-year absence from the NBA due to a drug suspension, Chris Anderson, aka “Birdman” is making his return to the League. The New Orleans Hornets, the team Anderson played for when he was suspended, are expected to sign the 6′10″ forward. According to reports, Anderson is in great shape and is excited about his reinstatement
“Chris is incredibly excited to be back,” his agent, Steven Heumann, said. “He’s grateful to the NBA and the union for reinstating him and for giving him the opportunity to resume his career.”
The Hornets can re-sign Anderson at a one-year, pro-rated share of his last contract ($13 million for four years):
“We were always more concerned with Chris Andersen the person rather than Chris Andersen the player and are pleased that he has taken the appropriate measures to get himself reinstated by the NBA,” Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower said. “We will now begin the process of getting him back on the court and back in a Hornets uniform as quickly as possible.”
Anderson’s return will bolster New Orleans’ thin frontcourt. At the moment, Melvin Ely and Ryan Bowen are the primary backups for starters Tyson Chandler and David West.
Great to see the Birdman given a second chance. I wrote a while back that the NBA could take it two ways: banish him and turn their back on a player in need, or welcome him back and spin it as a positive lesson for players and young people alike. It’s nice to see David Stern take the humanitarian (and right) approach here.
Oh, and the Hornets sure could use the depth.
Just don’t bring him into any Dunk Contests anymore, but congrats for Birdman to not give up and to stop screwing his body over.
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