When the Miami Heat signed Chris Andersen this past January, your friendly neighborhood Pulpist called the acquisition a "low-risk, high reward for a team desperately in need of a high-energy-crash-the-boards-at all-costs kind of a player."
NAILED IT.
And now, the Birdman will be returning, as the Heat has announced it's re-signed him to a one-year deal worth $1.7 million.
Andersen quickly became a fan favorite as soon as he brought his self-described "crazy white boy" self onto the squad, bringing energy and defense and making grown men yell "Caw caw!" during games (and even not during games).
In the playoffs, the 35-year-old Birdman was huge. And by "huge," we mean, he was pretty much the most efficient player in the entire postseason. At one point, he went on an 18-for-18 stretch.
Andersen not only brought tenacity on the boards but he played all-world defense while contributing on the offensive side as well. His mini pick-and-rolls with LeBron and D-Wade were devastating.
Against the Spurs in the Finals, Birdman was the only player not named LeBron who was able to finish at the rim for the Heat.
And let us not forget that he ended the Tyler Hansbrough Era in Indiana.
With Andersen officially back, the Heat's core players from its 2013 title run is intact, as it's also locked in Ray Allen.
Caw. Caw.
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