Miami Heat: Why Chris Andersen Has Become The X-Factor

Just when you thought the Miami Heat couldn’t get any better. If there’s an area in which the NBA champions are a little weak, it is in the middle. They are often out-rebounded (they rank 30th in rebounds) and can be ‘beaten up inside’. So, to try and combat this, the Heat picked up veteran big man Chris Andersen — first on two 10-day contracts before committing to him for the rest of the season on Feb. 8.

Chris Andersen is in search of his first NBA championship ring, will this be the year? Photo Credit: Mark Runyon, Basketball Schedule

Andersen has jumped ahead of Joel Anthony in the pecking order and has turned into the Heat’s X-Factor off the bench; grabbing rebounds, blocking shots and providing endless energy. Andersen doesn’t play long, extended minutes, which means that when he does come on — he provides an incredible burst of energy. Due to his limited minutes, we’ll look at his per-36 stats, which have him recording 2.0 blocks and 8.6 rebounds per 36 minutes. He sets hard screens and has been on the end of many alley-oops from LeBron James and Co. Another key positive of Andersen’s signing is that coach Erik Spoelstra can now give Chris Bosh some much needed rest or slot him back into his much-preferred power forward position.

It was shocking to me that no team saw fit to offer Birdman a contract this past offseason after he was amnestied by the Denver Nuggets. Not only is he incredibly fit and athletic for a 34-year-old, but by being 34 he has something that is awfully invaluable: experience. In a team that is filled to the brim with champions, it is just a case of the rich getting richer. Miami is 34-3 since signing Chris Andersen. That alone tells you all you need to know; Andersen has improved the best team in the NBA. What a scary thought for the rest of the league.

Whether Andersen will get extended minutes come playoff time will depend on a few things. Firstly, it is all a question of matchups. Against dominant low-post centers like Indiana’s Roy Hibbert, a combination of Chris Andersen and Udonis Haslem will be better suited to deal with a physical battle than the somewhat finesse Bosh. However, against a team without a low-post threat — like many teams in today’s NBA — Andersen’s minutes will be limited. One thing is for sure though: Chris Andersen has provided yet more depth to an already deep Miami Heat team.