The Birdman will fly around this summer to check out his free-agent options.
New Orleans Hornets forward-center Chris “The Birdman” Andersen said Friday he will opt out of his $1.76 million contract for next season to become an unrestricted free agent. Andersen, who earned his nickname while playing for the Nuggets from 2001-04, averaged 7.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.49 blocks this season.
“I finally got a chance to prove what I can do,” Anderson said. “I believe I’m worth more than what’s on paper. To do what is best for myself and my family, I have to (become a free agent) because it’s a business.
“When I got the minutes, I produced. That’s a main fact why my stock is going to go up. I can give a team some energy off the bench.”
Andersen had become popular in New Orleans. The Hornets have several billboards around the city displaying his picture. New Orleans coach Byron Scott has said he hopes the franchise re-signs him if he opts out of his contract. Anderson, who went to high school in Texas, considers New Orleans his top option.
“My fan base is real big down here,” Anderson said. “I love the city. It’s the South, where I grew up. I love it. New Orleans gave me a chance. They let me play.”
If New Orleans doesn’t re-sign Andersen, he wouldn’t mind returning to Denver. He still has several close friends here and his girlfriend is a Denver native.
“Going back to Denver would be pretty cool just from the fact I’ve been there for three years,” he said.
Footnotes
The Charlotte Bobcats could have a chance to draft their pick of stars from the national champion North Carolina team. Forward Marvin Williams, center Sean May, swingman Rashad McCants and guard Raymond Felton have declared for the NBA draft. Wake Forest guard Chris Paul has, too. But the Bobcats have said they will select the best player available and not fall victim to pressure to draft a local player. …
The NBA reprimanded Miami Heat guard Damon Jones for wearing sunglasses after Game 1 of the series with New Jersey and Nuggets center for wearing a hat after Game 1 against San Antonio during postgame news conferences. The NBA doesn’t want players to wear any head wear during postgame news conferences. …
Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said the possibility of having the 2007 All-Star Game in Las Vegas, a non-NBA city, was a positive.
