Nugg Love
Fansided

Four surprise stars in Denver Nuggets’ history

By Mitchell Carter

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 10: Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets smiles during the game against the Orlando Magic on December 10, 2016 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 10: Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets smiles during the game against the Orlando Magic on December 10, 2016 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Denver Nuggets center Chris Andersen  (Photo By AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Denver Nuggets center Chris Andersen  (Photo By AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

4. Chris Andersen

Chris “Birdman” Andersen had a very rocky NBA career that involved two different stints with the Denver Nuggets.

More from Nugg Love

His first stint, he was a young, over anxious kid who had a nose for the ball. He bounced around some other semi-professional teams before he was drafted into the NBA D-League and then brought up to play for the Nuggets. Andersen did what he does best and it allowed him to sign a larger deal with New Orleans.

After his early success, he had some lulls during his career due to drug use and ultimately checked into rehab back in 2008. After that short stint, Andersen was granted permission to re-join the NBA and he returned to the Denver Nuggets.

During his second stint, Birdman became Anderson’s alter ego. He was a great rim protector and shot alterer, and was a big reason for Denver’s Western Conference Finals appearance in 2009.

Andersen was a great player because he did what he was good at! He was an all-time fan favorite and will go down as one of the most “artistic” players in Nugget’s history.