http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1090313727215810.xml Ready for takeoff New Hornets backup center Chris 'Birdman' Anderson is eager to bring his energy and defensive ability to Coach Byron Scott's team Tuesday, July 20, 2004 By John Reid Staff writer For free-agent center Chris Andersen, it wasn't a difficult decision. To his way of thinking, the Hornets are demonstrating a deep resolve to get better and the hiring of Coach Byron Scott is the clearest sign of that. So, when Hornets general manager Allan Bristow offered the three-year veteran a two-year deal, estimated at $2.3 million, he accepted. On Monday, Andersen was introduced as the Hornets' newest member, and he promised his biggest contribution will be defending. "I definitely like to play defense because it starts the offense," said Andersen, whose primary duty in New Orleans will be as a backup to center Jamaal Magloire. "I like to run and block shots. I'm real excited and overwhelmed to be here to get a chance to play for Byron. "I've heard from the streets and from other players that he is a players' coach. They've made the team better, and they got to the playoffs last year. Just from there, that's a big deal to me." In the past three seasons with the Denver Nuggets, Andersen has played in 154 games, averaging 4.2 points. But he's had 202 blocked shots, including 114 last season. What pleases Scott is Andersen's versatility. Andersen, 6 feet 10, also can play power forward, his primary position last season. And he's quick enough to defend small forwards. Last season, the Hornets primarily used Robert Traylor as Magloire's backup after Sean Rooks was traded at mid-season to the Orlando Magic. "He's a guy who can play at any spot in the front line," Scott said of Andersen. "I like guys who are just a little on the edge at times, and that's a guy we have here in Chris. He plays with a certain amount of passion that you don't see in this league on an everyday basis." Perhaps it comes from having to overcome numerous obstacles to reach the NBA. He played one year of college basketball at Blinn Junior College in Texas before turning pro. But no NBA team drafted him. He played professionally in China, then with teams in the International Basketball Association and International Basketball League. He also played with the Fayetteville (N.C.) Patriots of the National Basketball Developmental League before landing a free-agent contract with the Nuggets in November 2001. "I've never took anything for an advantage. I've always went out there and put in the grind," Andersen said. "Now I'm in the shining light, and I've got to keep it up. I can't forget where I came from, and I'm going to work hard every day." Andersen was a restricted free agent. But, after obtaining Kenyon Martin in a trade last week, the Nuggets agreed to renounce their right to 15 days to match the Hornets' offer. The Nuggets deemed Andersen expendable because, besides Martin, they have Marcus Camby and Nene at the same position. But Bristow said Andersen gives the Hornets much-needed quality depth. "He brings something that we haven't had at the center position for a quite a number of years, and that's a guy who can block a shot and fill a lane," Bristow said. "That's something in this league you don't see a lot of people who can do that. "Right off hand, I can't think of anyone who can block a shot like Chris and fill the weak-side lane and get involved in the break. He's right at a stage of his career where we feel he's going to get better. But we'll take the shot blocking and energy that's he's going to give us now." The heavily tattooed Andersen is expected to become a crowd favorite, as he was in Denver. When he scored on dunks last season, Andersen would flap his hands like wings. His nickname is the "Birdman." Andersen said he got his nickname several years ago in summer-league competition after he soared and dunked against numerous players. "The best way I can describe Chris is that I talked to one of my consultants, my 20-year-old son," Hornets owner George Shinn said Monday. "I called Chad and told him we are considering signing Chris Andersen. He said, 'He's the big dude with all the tattoos and can jump out of the building. The fans will love this guy, and he'll be great in New Orleans.' " . . . . . . . John Reid can be reached at [email protected] or (504) 826-3405. --

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