By PAT GRAHAM, AP Sports Writer
DENVER (AP)—Chris “Birdman” Andersen has reached a five-year deal to keep his high-flying, shot-blocking act with the Denver Nuggets, a team he revived his career with last season.
Andersen’s attorney, Mark Bryant, confirmed the agreement on Wednesday, saying it could be signed later in the day. The deal was first reported by the Denver Post.
Andersen, who turned 31 on Tuesday, could make up to $26 million over the lifetime of a back-loaded contract that gives the Nuggets financial flexibility.
He’ll make close to $3.65 million in 2009-10, up from the $998,398 he made last season, when he averaged 6.4 points and 2.5 blocks in 20.6 minutes.
“You write the best-case scenario, think you’re dreaming and open your eyes and it’s real,” Bryant said. “He’s very excited. They treated him as a priority.”
With his colorful tattoos and spiky hair, Andersen was an instant hit with Denver fans, who’ve embraced his return to the court.
Andersen came back to the NBA in 2008 following a ban that lasted almost two years after he tested positive for an undisclosed “drug of abuse.”
The energetic forward known for his defensive disruption around the basket provided a spark off the bench as the Nuggets made a run to the Western Conference finals, where they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.
He swatted 175 shots in the regular season, second only to Orlando Magic All-Star Dwight Howard(notes)—in far less minutes.
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