Birdman to flock with Hornets

[Dirkenstien]

Ex-Nugget gets two-year contract


New Orleans Hornets: The Hornets announced the signing of frontcourt reserve Chris Andersen to a two-year contract on Monday afternoon.


The Hornets did not release the value of the deal, citing team policy.


Andersen, who has played primarily power forward and some at center, has averaged 4.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.31 blocks in his three years in the NBA, all with the Denver Nuggets. He also was a participant in the dunk contest during All-Star festivities last season.


The Texas native said he was looking forward to returning to the South and playing for the Hornets' new coach, Byron Scott.


"They made the team better when they got Byron Scott down here and they got to the playoffs last year," Andersen said. "Just from that right there, it's a big deal to me. Maybe if I can contribute to the team and we can get a little further down the road in the playoffs."


Last season, Andersen averaged 3.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 14.5 minutes in 71 games. He also had a career-high 114 blocks.


"You think versatility and that's what he's going to bring to this team -- he's a guy who can play any spot in that front line," Scott said.


Andersen, 26, also fits into the team's goal of injecting more youth and athleticism into the lineup, Scott said, which will allow the Hornets to use a second team "where we can really trap and press and do a lot of crazy things to speed up the game."


Not drafted by an NBA team, Andersen also has played in China, the International Basketball League, the International Basketball Association and the National Basketball Development League.


He signed as a free agent with Denver in November 2001

Link