Miniature Birdman is back in the crowd in Miami (GIF)
By Hayden Kane
The Miami Heat have returned home to host the San Antonio Spurs for game three of the 2014 NBA Finals. The crowd contains a popular figure, as the miniature version of “Birdman” Chris Andersen is back in the crowd.
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As far as young fans are concerned, Andersen offers a mixed bag as a potential role model. He hustles, is a good teammate, and plays selfless basketball, happy to rebound and play defense while his teammates fill up the stat sheet. He has also worked hard and overcome demons to get where he is. Those are all positive attributes.
Those can be taken, I suppose, along with some of the goofy aspects of the “Birdman.” Take, for example, his efforts to get his nickname changed to “Birdzilla.” Or for another example, consider his decision to buy hunting knives for all of his teammates.
As for his style decisions, ranging from his hair to his tattoos, well…those are probably fine.
The Heat look to take a pivotal game three at home after winning game two behind the strong play of LeBron James. If they are going to be able to do that, they will need all the help they can get from the real Birdman and whatever good vibes they can get from the miniature version up in the stands.