The top 10 Miami Heat players since 2010
By Cory Sanning
10. Chris “Birdman” Andersen
Stats (2013-2016): 5.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.1 blocks
Initially, Andersen came to Miami as a low-risk, high-reward type of player. He’d been out of the NBA for some time, and was essentially plucked right off the street and thrust back into a locker room setting in January 2013.
While his numbers were not eye-popping, Andersen’s impact was instantly felt, and the fans were in love.
Just what did the Heat do right after signing him? Embarked on the second-longest single season winning streak in the history of the NBA (sorry, Warriors fans.)
Not only was Andersen a solid rebounder and shot-blocker, he brought that raw, emotionally energy that Miami had somewhat lacked early in the season.
In the playoffs, he continued to do big things, particularly in the Eastern Conference Finals against the then-rival Indiana Pacers.
Although he played a marginal role in the 2013 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, Andersen’s impact on and off the court made 2012-13 a memorable season.
He would begin to slow down towards the end of the 2013-14 season, but still assisted in the Heat making their fourth consecutive NBA Finals.
For me, Andersen was always the enforcer, a true tough guy on the court. He did not back down from anyone, much like teammate and co-caption Udonis Haslem, whom also found himself involved in several altercations during the postseason.