NBA Rumors: Chris Andersen to sign with Cleveland Cavaliers

Chris Andersen has agreed to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, ensuring a reunion between LeBron James and Birdman.

With the Miami Heat, Chris Andersen saw a career revival. “Birdman” had fallen off the charts after becoming a bit of a cult hero. Thanks to LeBron James and the Heat winning the 2012-13 NBA title, Andersen became mainstream gain. The LeBron and Birdman connection helped the Heat win.

Birdman is returning the favor as he has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Andersen might be aging but he can still be a strong presence in the paint. He has averaged 10.3 rebounds per 36 minutes during his career, including 8.8 per 36 minutes while with the Heat and the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2015-16 season. Andersen is no longer a starting center, but he can certainly bring his defensive presence and energy in off the bench.

During the Heat’s 2012-13 title run, Andersen averaged 6.4 points and 3.8 rebounds while coming off the bench in 20 games. His offensive game is limited, but he can still grab offensive rebounds and tip balls in. Andersen should bring size and physicality off the bench and provide a different look than Kevin Love. He could be a guy who replaces a little bit of what Timofey Mozgov gave to the Cavaliers. After losing Mozgov to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Cavaliers needed to add a bit of size and rebounding to their bench.

Andersen does exactly that.

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