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Fansided

Nuggets: Top 10 defenders in their history

By Michael Longhofer

Memphis Grizzlies v Denver NuggetsDENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 29: Chris Andersen #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots a free throw against the Denver Nuggets on February 29, 2016 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 513163864
Memphis Grizzlies v Denver NuggetsDENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 29: Chris Andersen #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots a free throw against the Denver Nuggets on February 29, 2016 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 513163864 /
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Memphis Grizzlies v Denver Nuggets DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 29: Chris Andersen #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots a free throw against the Denver Nuggets on February 29, 2016 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) Getty ID: 513163864
Memphis Grizzlies v Denver Nuggets DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 29: Chris Andersen #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots a free throw against the Denver Nuggets on February 29, 2016 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) Getty ID: 513163864 /

Chris “Birdman” Andersen: DWS 16.5

Hey, the wait is over, the Birdman comes in at the 10 spot!  At the height of his popularity in Denver, The Birdman was a menace in the paint and altered or blocked a prolific amount of shots.

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For the 2008-2009 season, Andersen led the NBA in blocks per game with 2.5 per contest.  Like Marcus Camby, Chris liked to let ball handlers drive by him and then block them from the backside.

In his first stint with the Nuggets (2001-2004), Andersen was a long, lean kid with an incredible amount of bounce and used his pure athleticism to overcome opponents.  In his later run in Denver (2008-2012), Andersen had added quite a bit of bulk to his 6-10 frame and developed as quite the interior, physical defender.

Despite his colorful appearance and high-flying dunks, Andersen made his way in the League on his defense.

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