Birdman Cometh?

by Jeff Clark on Jul 3, 2008 6:24 AM EDT in Boston Celtics Articles

So, lets review. With PJ Brown retiring and Scot Pollard on the "don't call us, we won't call you" list, our low post players consist of Perkins (who just had surgery on his chronically injured shoulder) and a couple of undersized power forwards (Powe & Big Baby). Don't get me wrong, I love all three of those guys. I just think that there's a big need for a big man to back up Perkins.

The problem is that quality bigs are hard to find and expensive when you do find them. There's a reason people paid huge money to a lot of stiffs over the years (most of which ended up with the Knicks). Being 7 feet in basketball is a bit like being a southpaw pitcher in baseball. There's always room on the roster for you somewhere.

Danny won't have a lot of cash to throw at a big man. He's most likely going to use the full MLE on Posey (or perhaps Maggette, but I bet he's a Spur by the end of the week). He'll have to look for less than ideal candidates and hope to score big.

For that reason, I really am starting to like the idea of the Birdman (Chris Andersen). Sure, he's got a huge character question mark. I won't pretend to know anything about drug related issues and I don't mean to downplay that in the least. Still, with the caveat of "if he can stay clean" he seems like the best fit for our needs.

For one thing he's still young. I'm sure Danny is looking at guys like Mutumbo and Alonzo, and either would fill the PJ Brown role very nicely if they can stay healthy. But I'd almost rather wait to sign one of those guys (if necessary) later in the year like we did with PJ so we don't wear them out during the regular season.

For another thing, Andersen is good enough to give us a spark off the bench and not good enough to challenge Perkins for the starting spot. He might even be a good option to fill in for Perkins if he goes down for a few games.

When the Birdman was set to return to the Hornets, a Fox writer looked at his potential impact to the team. Here are some quotes from his column on Jan. 28 of this year.

His numbers have never been sensational and he is not a refined athlete by any means. His last full season in the NBA he averaged 7.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.49 blocks -- providing the kind of energy off the bench that Anderson Varejao provides the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Andersen brings a different kind of energy for the Hornets. It may include silly fouls for climbing over someone’s back or diving into a pile late. But it is the infusion he brings that kicks everybody into another gear.

That kind of sounds like a guy you want on your team. If he could be a poor man's Varejao (and make no mistake, Sideshow Bob is rich now) that would be great.

However, after a quick look at last year's stats, it doesn't appear that he added much to the Hornets after returning. He only played in 5 games for a total of 34 minutes and didn't play after Apirl 2nd. This is where I have to plead ignorance. I don't know if he was hurt, out of shape, or just not good enough to crack an already established rotation of a very good playoff bound team.

For more research on his story, see this Peter May article from around that same time. Also read about his ink work here. Also see this story on his family in ESPN.

So is he the answer for our big man spot? I think he could be. I assume he would accept a short term contract for the opportunity to prove himself, which would make it a low-risk move. He's going to have a fantastic locker room and coaching staff to provide him with whatever support and encouragement he needs to stay on track.

Bottom line is that he would fit a need on this team and his upside would seem to be greater than the downside. In fact, it could turn out to be a great Prodigal Son type of story. Plus he's got a great nickname, and who doesn't like that? I think taking a chance on him would be a great move.

Tweet Comment 42 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Jeff…

If you watched Comcast Sports Tonight last evening at 10 PM, Marc Spears from the Boston Globe came out and said flat out that Chris Anderson wants to play here and would be a player the Boston fans would totally fall in love with. Marc knows him pretty well from his time in Denver as well. I think they may be able to do a Birdman and a Deke or Zo if it came down to it.

I will welcome Koko B. Ware’s best friend with open arms. Marc also said Chris would sit on that set and admit he was stupid for his problems, but they are behind him.

by wildo05 on Jul 3, 2008 6:54 AM EDT reply actions

Andersen, not Anderson ;D

by tb727 on Jul 3, 2008 6:58 AM EDT reply actions

I would love to have him in a C’s unit. He is a very underrated defensive player, has lots of energy and is a hell of an athlete. He shows some real hustle and effort out there, and him and Powe together on the court would just mean pure energy. This guy has a career average of 1.3 blocks in only 16.4 minutes per game. He is one of the best shot blockers in the NBA. How would you not want him? He even has a mid-range jumper.

And don’t you worry about character issues. Danny knows exactly who has a reason and who is just a thug. And since Danny contacted Andersen in February before signing Brown and was quoted yesterday as saying “we wanted him for a very long time”, I can assure that he doesn’t have severe issues.

by P_two on Jul 3, 2008 7:03 AM EDT reply actions

Andersen, not Anderson

thanks, I think I fixed them all now, but if not, oh well

by Jeff Clark on Jul 3, 2008 7:23 AM EDT reply actions

Danny knows exactly who has a reason and who is just a thug.

What was the “reason” for doing hardcore drugs? :P

I’m willing to chalk it up to a mistake / rough patch in his life, but I don’t buy into the “reason” excuse. That being said, I’d gamble on him with a minimum contract, of course. Maybe even the LLE ($1.91 million).

by Roy_Hobbs on Jul 3, 2008 7:29 AM EDT reply actions

Would looking after him be Scal’s new assignment?

by clover on Jul 3, 2008 7:56 AM EDT reply actions

I love how the NBA does not include marijuana on its list of substances it tests for. NOW THAT’S A POWERFUL PLAYERS’ UNION!! I suspect if “the big fatty” were being tested there’d be a lot more players on the out looking in. “Let’s get together and feel alright….”

by The Real Large James on Jul 3, 2008 8:02 AM EDT reply actions

After reading up on Andersen, it’s hard to imagine Ainge would be willing to go into a playoff series knowing this knucklehead could suddenly just vanish, never returning from some party. He’s the polar opposite of P.J. Brown.

by no kidding on Jul 3, 2008 8:22 AM EDT reply actions

Spears also said that Byron Scott was just plain stupid for not playing Andersen more vs Duncan. Jeff, i also do not believe Danny is throwing the whole MLE at Posey.

by celty86 on Jul 3, 2008 8:29 AM EDT reply actions

how about Othello Harrington?

by perk on Jul 3, 2008 8:37 AM EDT reply actions

You know you’ve just won the championship when you’re willing to take on a guy because of his nickname!!! I love being champs!!!!!!

by CelticRebel on Jul 3, 2008 8:38 AM EDT reply actions

Bring on the Birdman!

Also Jeff, good one!: “There’s a reason people paid huge money to a lot of stiffs over the years (most of which ended up with the Knicks).” :D

by Eeyore III on Jul 3, 2008 8:52 AM EDT reply actions

I love how the NBA does not include marijuana on its list of substances it tests for. NOW THAT’S A POWERFUL PLAYERS’ UNION!! I suspect if “the big fatty” were being tested there’d be a lot more players on the out looking in. “Let’s get together and feel alright….”

I’m pretty sure the NBA tests for marijuana since that’s what got Odom suspended several times.

by Byrdman on Jul 3, 2008 9:05 AM EDT reply actions

This guys is gonna be another Pollard, sit on the bench the whole year & do absolutely nothing but be a clown.

by Pashm on Jul 3, 2008 9:33 AM EDT reply actions

“This is where I have to plead ignorance. I don’t know if he was hurt, out of shape, or just not good enough to crack an already established rotation of a very good playoff bound team.”

Hornets blogger here, so I’ll help you out a bit. I would guess, with the way Byron Scott works, it was maybe a little bit of #2 but largely #3. Byron wasn’t happy with most of his bench, especially his bigs, so it seemed somewhat surprising that Birdman didn’t get more time. But I know he loved Birdman pre-Katrina. I would think it was more not being in NBA shape and not having put in the time in practice that the rest of the guys had all year. Byron seems to be a big practice guy… like for instance when Julian Wright broke out and grabbed a ton more minutes in Feb/March it was because he’d looked NBA ready in practice and the coaching staff decided to step his time up. By the time Birdman was added, he didn’t have much time to gel with a team that was already established.

I think with a fresh start he could be a great backup big. We wouldn’t mind him back with the Hornets, but as I said… fresh start. Even in his garbage time he got in a couple of good blocks. And I know there are people who believe there’s never a “reason” to do hardcore drugs (heard locally from a friend of a friend sort of situation it was coke), you have to remember that this was after Katrina. I went through that (evacuated to Boston, coincidentally!), so I won’t question any life choices made by anyone in that situation. Birdman was forced to move to OKC and didn’t deal well with it.

by ticktock6 on Jul 3, 2008 9:36 AM EDT reply actions

Jeff, your getting on the Bird Man train? didn’t see that coming.

by bleedingreen on Jul 3, 2008 9:44 AM EDT reply actions

Please….would somebody identify what “hard-core” drugs are?

…

So if all “the birdman” did was fail a drug test because of pot, that is about as worrisome as him getting busted for being a serial jaywalker.

by twistedmisfit on Jul 3, 2008 9:53 AM EDT reply actions

“However, after a quick look at last year’s stats, it doesn’t appear that he added much to the Hornets after returning. He only played in 5 games for a total of 34 minutes and didn’t play after Apirl 2nd. This is where I have to plead ignorance. I don’t know if he was hurt, out of shape, or just not good enough to crack an already established rotation of a very good playoff bound team.”

According to Marc Spears, Chris didn’t play due to Byron being an “idiot”. Marc said that he should’ve played because he is one of their better bigs but that Scott held him out because he wasn’t in training camp. Marc Spears is a big fan of his.

by Mon on Jul 3, 2008 9:55 AM EDT reply actions

I think if you follow some of the links you’ll find some more details on the suspension. I don’t want to get on the topic of discussing how bad or not so bad drugs are. Thanks for understanding.

by Jeff Clark on Jul 3, 2008 10:12 AM EDT reply actions

Anyone see Walk Hard with the Tim Meadows Marijuana Warning scene, funniest thing ever. According to Marc Spears it seems like the problem is way behind him and will not affect the team what so ever. I suggest people re watch that interview he had last night on comcast.

by Champzilla on Jul 3, 2008 10:16 AM EDT reply actions

Thanks to tb727 for keeping it real.
Or Danish at least ;D

by Amager Celtic Fan on Jul 3, 2008 11:09 AM EDT reply actions

Until someone makes it clear that Andersen’s problem wasn’t with coke, then I’ll assume it might’ve been. And his joining the team would worry me.

I remember 1989. The Cincinnati Bengals went through an entire season with a high powered offense, with lots of contributors. All the same, whenever they got down to the goal line, they would hammer it through with their fullback Stanely Wilson.

Wilson had become a celebrated figure. A guy who nearly squandered his considerable talents on drugs, but had cleaned up his act and put it all behind him.

Then, on the day of Super Bowl 23, just prior to the game, Wilson was found on the bathroom floor of his motel room in a cocaine stupor. His sudden absence rocked his team, and the Bengals went on to lose 20-16 to the 49’ers.

I’d hate for Celtics to get to the playoff finals next season and find out Andersen was once more unable to handle a big-time situation. The Celtics have already had their Len Bias moment in time.

by no kidding on Jul 3, 2008 11:18 AM EDT reply actions

No kidding, you’ve got delusions.

by P_two on Jul 3, 2008 11:33 AM EDT reply actions

Delusions? There’s nothing more common than wasted talent.

by no kidding on Jul 3, 2008 11:41 AM EDT reply actions

To assume he did coke unless proven otherwise is a little harsh “no kidding”.

by Champzilla on Jul 3, 2008 12:02 PM EDT reply actions

Not so harsh. As I said, I’d “assume it might’ve been” coke, unless it was made clear that it wasn’t. In my personal life, it’s live and let live. But if I was Ainge, any doubt on the subject “would worry me.”

by no kidding on Jul 3, 2008 12:08 PM EDT reply actions

sorry, I thought I had included the link to the Fox article, I’ve updated the story to have that

to end some of the speculation, here’s a blurb from that article that might shed some more light:

Andersen was banned and disqualified from the NBA on Jan. 26, 2006 after testing positive for â€œdrugs of abuse,â€ which include amphetamines, opiates (codeine, heroin, morphine and PCP), cocaine, LSD and methamphetamine. Since he hadnâ€™t tested positive for any other drugs, it is likely the positive test came from one of the aforementioned drugs of abuse.

I’m not sure I understand that statment and he could have his facts wrong, but that is what Khan Games reported.

by Jeff Clark on Jul 3, 2008 12:20 PM EDT reply actions

The Birdman is flying through that door on Tuesday.

by P_two on Jul 3, 2008 12:41 PM EDT reply actions

birdman is a darn good player-good d, rebounds, shot blocks- a lot like perk. good backup. the drug thing- it’s never behind you-it’s always 1 day at atime. there’s always a risk of relapse. it’s not a charcter thing- it’s a disease. birdman needs to be up front with his life- no excuses and kow thw risks.

by nazzbo on Jul 3, 2008 1:17 PM EDT reply actions

Anderson has no beef and no offensive skills. He isn’t a center. I’d rather have Lance Allred (just to name one).

by Brickowski on Jul 3, 2008 2:04 PM EDT reply actions

DELETED. Do not use profanity on this blog. -R.H.

by u_r_toy_maine on Jul 3, 2008 2:05 PM EDT reply actions

Please….would somebody identify what “hard-core” drugs are?

As Jeff said, Birdman was suspended for one of the following: amphetamines, opiates (codeine, heroin, morphine and PCP), cocaine, LSD or methamphetamine.

Thus, “hardcore” drugs.

by Roy_Hobbs on Jul 3, 2008 2:13 PM EDT reply actions

whut about lil weazzy will they sighn him 3.

by u_r_toy_maine on Jul 3, 2008 2:14 PM EDT reply actions

Chris Andersen is a similar size to PJ. He’s not an ideal center and more of a power forward but he can function well as a center. Brings great energy, team play, hustle, good defense, shot blocking, good finisher around the hoop. He’s a solid player and he’s a great guy in the locker room.

Is he the best available center for that money on the market? Very doubtful and probably not.

by Who on Jul 3, 2008 4:57 PM EDT reply actions

Who, what? You’re just going to leave it like that? C’mon, tell us who you like at center that’s available for that kind of money.

We’re going into the 4th of July weekend, and some of us are dying to hear some basketball chatter.

by no kidding on Jul 3, 2008 5:10 PM EDT reply actions

I would prefer holding a roster spot open all year and adding PJ Brown again in the spring. Leon and Baby can backup the 5 until then.

PJ’s dunk over Kobe in Game 4 showed me he still has a lot bounce left in those legs.

I think adding the Birdman should be way down the priority list, certainly behind signing House and Posey.

Assuming we re-sign Posey and House – I believe that leaves us 2 more roster spots.

RR, PP, RA, KG, KP
JP, EH, GD, LP, BS
JG, BW, GP

IMO, we should leave one of these open, and the other should be used on a pg – likely Sam Cassell for small $.

I just don’t see room for Birdman without writing off PJ completely or short-staffing our back court.

by D Dub on Jul 3, 2008 5:31 PM EDT reply actions

Sorry my bad … Fransisco Elson. I think he’s the best that’s likely to be available at the minimum/LLE.

Another player who’s of similar size as Andersen.

by Who on Jul 3, 2008 5:43 PM EDT reply actions

That’s the spirit, Who. Elson’s intriguing, but he made some 3 million last year. Andersen might be a tad cheaper, since we’re up against it on team salary

D Dub, I can’t agree about that roster. I don’t expect Posey will be back, nor House. Look for Pruitt to get a shot at backup 1 and 2, and figure on Ty Lue being here.

by no kidding on Jul 3, 2008 5:51 PM EDT reply actions

Here’s a great article from ESPN.com that gives Chris Andersen’s background: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=Andersen-080511. It’s a long read, but very good.

by charlatan33 on Jul 3, 2008 6:05 PM EDT reply actions

I heard the movie “Blow”, starring Johnny Depp, is based on Chris Andersen’s life.

by Champzilla on Jul 3, 2008 7:13 PM EDT reply actions

What about a guy like Francisco Elson. He’s wona championship with the Spurs, he’s big, can run, and might be a great fit in Boston. Yo’re not going to get a lot of offense from a C with the MLE.

by VT Bill on Jul 3, 2008 8:13 PM EDT reply actions