- 13,094
- 2,121
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2001
Jan. 27, 2008, will mark two years since the NBA expelled him, and on that date Andersen will be eligible for reinstatement.
According to NBA spokesman Tim Frank, both the NBA and the NBA Players Association have to agree to his return. Frank says one of the conditions is that Andersen must have 12 months of clean drug tests.
Drug testing is already part of Andersen's routine. He says ever since he got out of rehab, he's submitted to regular urine tests, the results of which he'll furnish to the league when he applies for reinstatement.
If Andersen is allowed to return, the Hornets will get the first crack at him. If he does not sign with the Hornets, he would become a free agent.
Andersen makes it clear: he wants to be a Hornet.
"It's like a family in that locker room. I do want to play again for Byron Scott. He's a great coach, great guy. I love the way he just lets you play, and if you make a mistake you can make it up."
His former head coach remains a fan.
"Birdman was one of my favorites," Scott says. "I loved him as a person. I loved the way he played the game. I loved his energy. So obviously I'm rooting for him to get reinstated when the time comes, and hopefully he can resume his career."
In a statement, Hornets owner George Shinn did not address whether he's interesting in re-signing Andersen, but Shinn appears to be in Birdman's corner.
"I have heard through various reports that Chris is working hard and has made tremendous strides to improve himself while keeping in top condition for an eventual return to the court," Shinn says. "I have faith that he will reach his goals, and I applaud him for continuing to look towards the future rather than focusing on the past."
The travails of the past year have also inspired him to add even more tattoos to his densely inked upper body. He says he's waiting to unveil the newest ones upon his return to the NBA.
