Miami Heat end of season position study: Center

5 of 5

Jan 4, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Chris Andersen (11) warms up before a game against the Indiana Pacers at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Unfortunately, Chris ‘Birdman’ Andersen was only with Miami for a short period of time this season. Having been signed to the Heat in 2012, the 37-year-old was dealt away to the Memphis Grizzlies for two second-round picks (in a trade that also involved former Miami point guard Mario Chalmers) in February.

A once-solid contributor, Birdman has been plagued with injuries as of late, no doubt related to his age. But according to the big man, he wants to play…well, forever:

"“I’m gonna play 20 more years. I’ll be out there with a walker shooting 3s.”"

This year, he averaged 1.9 points and 1.3 rebounds for the Heat, on 5.1 minutes of play, and only saw time in seven games this season for the Heat.

Birdman was a much-loved part of the team, and like Haslem brought to the table something other than numbers. He pumped the group up, and bestowed veteran basketball IQ upon them.

Plus, he gave great interviews.

Both his former teammates and the people of South Beach undoubtedly miss his unmatchable energy, and the center feels the same. When talking about the Heat after he had been traded, Birdman said:

"“Miami’s always gonna be in my heart, man. The whole situation of me coming into Miami during one of the worst times of my life and the way they embraced me down there and welcomed me with open arms, they just made me feel wanted and made me feel like I was a part of their culture and their city. Winning a championship down there and being a part of that, it’s priceless. I will never forget that. All I can say is thank you. Thank you for all the good times and all the support. The greatest thank you I could give to them was helping their team win a championship. It was a great time. I wish it would’ve been longer, but it is what it is. I’ll always be down in Miami.”"

Next: Hassan Whiteside named to second-team All-Defense

Realistically, given his age and the fact that he was backing up three other guys, the organization probably made the right call in trading him. Especially given the way Miami’s salary cap situation is currently looking.

But that does not mean that it was easy to say goodbye. After all, parting is such sweet sorrow.

Home/Heat News