By: Matt Blue
It looks like the “Birdman” will be spreading his wings in Miami after all. On Sunday, the HEAT inked the 10 year NBA vet to a 10 day contract. Even though Miami owns the best record in the Eastern Conference, they have had their fair share of issues this season. The most glaring weakness for Miami has been their rebounding or lack thereof.
The HEAT has ranked 26th overall in rebound rate, which is an advanced statistical measure that measures the overall percentage of missed shots and team rebounds for each NBA team. Andersen should certainly help the HEAT in this category.
In addition to helping the HEAT mightily in the rebounding department, Andersen could definitely provide a physical presence down low as well as some blocked shots and even a decent amount of scoring. He should be considered as an upgrade over Joel Anthony offensively.
Now the biggest question concerning Andersen will be how much he is used in coach Spoelstra’s rotations? Also one has to wonder whether he may eat into Joel Anthony’s minutes at all. In other words, will Spo prefer to go to Anthony or Andersen as the first big man off the bench?
The “Birdman” was recently a member of the Denver Nuggets in the 2011-12 season. He appeared in 32 games for them, posting 5.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocked shots in 15.2 minutes of action.
Andersen was waived by the Nuggets because they were looking to clear cap space at the time. The Nuggets used the amnesty provision on him which was added to the new collective bargaining agreement.
Throughout Andersen’s career, he has averaged 5.3 ppg, 1.6 blocks, and 5.2 rebounds per game.
If Miami is pleased with what they see from Andersen, they could either offer him another 10 day contract or they could extend him an offer which will be good for the remainder of the season.
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