The reigning back-to-back NBA champion Miami Heat locked up one of their own, Chris "Birdman" Andersen, to a one-year deal worth a still-undisclosed amount of money, according to reports.
Last season the Heat committed to a small-ball lineup featuring LeBron James as a power forward and Chris Bosh as a center, but as the season went on the need for a true big man emerged. The Heat inked Andersen to a 10-day contract hoping for the best, and he eventually became one of the most important members of the team during their 27-game winning streak, as well as their postseason run.
In 42 regular season games, in which he didn't start once, the Birdman averaged 4.9 points, 4.1 rebounds in just and one block per game while playing just 15 minutes a night. His high energy altered shots and tightened up Miami's defense at times, while also sparing LeBron from banging up against certain rugged power forwards.
A prime example of Andersen's role was against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, when Birdman and Udonis Haslem helped battle Roy Hibbert and David West.
Andersen was available to Miami because of several missteps off the court in his past. Drug use earned him a two-year ban from the NBA from 2006 to 2008. He also was involved in a bizarre 2012 case that included his home being raided by federal agents on charges of child pornography.
Andersen claimed a disgruntled female fan who was upset with his disinterest in her set him up. In the past she threatened retaliation if he did not give her money, and pay for an array of expensive items.
Andersen's lawyer released a statement regarding the raid of his home that read, "A female fan in 2010 mailed Mr. Andersen multiple letters and included several photos in which she was scantily clad. Chris and this woman communicated with each other and in 2011, this woman, who represented herself as 21 years of age, flew to Colorado, showing her required identification. After leaving Colorado, she became upset at his lack of interest. In 2012, she threatened to retaliate if he did not provide financial remuneration."
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