Chris Andersen Bio: NBA & Net Worth

The “Birdman” Chris Andersen is an American former professional basketball player. Moreover, he is recalled for his endless hustle and his boundless resilience.

Andersen played 16 NBA seasons with several NBA teams and won an NBA championship title with Miami Heat in 2013.

Indeed, he was an idol of the modern basketball game but more for his bright complexion, iconic style, and memorable impression than on-court aptitudes.

Find out additional information about Chris Andersen ranging from early life, disputes, career, and net worth.

But before you go further, have a timely glimpse at the quick facts.

Quick Facts

Chris Andersen: Early Life & Family 

The striking power guard Andersen was born on July 7, 1978, in Long Beach, California. Moreover, he was brought up and grew up in Iola, Texas.

Furthermore, he belongs to the Danish-Norwegian ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Likewise, Andersen is the middle child among the three children of Claus Andersen and Linda Holubec. 

Family

His Father, Claus Andersen, was a corrections officer and a Danish immigrant, whereas Linda Holubec is a native of Tennessee and served as a waitress at the Port Hueneme. Also, she’d played basketball in her high school time.

Then, in 1982 family shifted to Texas using loans to purchase a 10-acre plot in Iola. After that, Andersen and his family precisely encountered a tough time.

Thus, they had to live off the land where Linda struggled in low-end jobs and expected neighbors’ support. Linda’s brother, a navy supply boat captain, was another expectation of residing for the Andersen family.

Andersen and his siblings went to the group home in Dallas during middle school for three years.

Moreover, his coach from high school convinced him to try out basketball, which became a remarkable basketball career start-up for Andersen. 

Chris Andersen: Basketball Career

College Career

Andersen attended Blinn College in Brenham and played basketball under the coaching management of the Father of Andersen’s high school coach.

Thus, he played one season with the Blinn Buccaneers, where he helped to lead the University to the National Junior College Athletic Association.

Professional Career

Jiangsu Dragons Kentier

Chris Andersen dropped out of Blinn College in 1999 without having information that NBA needed an official application for the NBA draft to get picked up to play as a professional player.

Then, he joined the Jiangsu Dragons Kenter, a Chinese professional basketball team in the Southern Division of the Chinese Basketball Association. 

New Mexico Slam

Andersen joined the New Mexico Slam of the International Basketball League in March 2000.

Therefore, he averaged 1.1 points and 1.6 rebounds in six regular-season games and four playoff games for New Mexico Slam.

Fargo-Moorhead Beez

Anderson joined the IBA, and after walking out, he joined the Fargo-Moorhead Beez,  a professional basketball club in Fargo, North Dakota.

Hence, he played seven games, and the team expelled him in January 2001.

Sugarland Sharks

Later, Andersen joined Sugarland Sharks of the Southwest Basketball League in 2001. 

Fayetteville Patriots

After his stint with Sugarland Sharks, Andersen joined the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2001 Summer League in July 2001.

Again, he signed with the Phoenix Suns in September 2001, and the Phoenix Suns subsequently waived him in October 2001.

Then, he was selected by the Fayetteville Patriots of the NBA Development League with the first overall pick on October 31, 2001.

Denver Nuggets

Andersen signed with Denver Nugget, making him the first D-League player to be invited by the NBA team.

Thus, he joined Nuggets on November 21, 2001, after playing two games with Fayetteville Patriots.

He became one of the league’s top-per-minute rebounders and the shot blocker. Later, in September 2003, he re-signed with the Denver Nuggets.

New Orleans Hornets

Chris Andersen signed a multi-year contract with the New Orleans Hornets in July 2004.

Then, he came up in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during the 2005 All-Star Weekend for the second year in a row but remained unsuccessful in winning.

Banishment 

Chris Andersen was disqualified from the NBA on January 25, 2006, for infringing the League’s anti-drug policy.

Thus, he was examined positive for a banned substance, and his suspension fell under the “drugs of abuse” tract. As a result, he has to wait at least two years to apply for reinstatement into the league.

Back to Denver Nuggets

After reinstatement, Andersen signed a one-year contract with the Denver Nuggets in July 2008.

Thus, he re-signed on a five-year contract with Nuggets in July 2009. Then, in July 2012, he was waived by the Nuggets due to the amnesty clause.

Miami Heat

Chris Andersen signed a 10-day contract two times with the Miami Heat on January 20, 2013, and January 30. Later, he signed the rest of the season contract on February 8, 2013.

Then, he recorded three points, four rebounds, and a block in his first NBA championship finals against the San Antonio Spurs.

Moreover, he ended the 2013 NBA playoffs with the highest field goal percentage of 80.7 %.

In July 2013, Andersen resigned from the Miami Heat and played 72 games during the 2013-14 season. Thus, he averaged 6.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.

Memphis Grizzlies

Andersen was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in February 2016.

Then, he made his debut for the Memphis Grizzlies in a 109-104 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

He aided the team with a record of four points, three rebounds, and one block in 11 minutes of action.

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Cleveland Cavaliers

Andersen signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers on July 22, 2016.

Consequently, he was ruled out for the rest of the season due to a devastating ACL tear injury.

Similarly, in February 2017, he was traded to Charlotte Hornets, but the Hornets instantly waived him for being acquired. 

BIG3 career

Chris Andersen signed a deal with BIG3 in March 2018.  

Therefore, he was selected in the 2018 BIG3 draft and assisted them in winning the 2018 BIG3 championship.

Career Highlight

• NBA Champion (2013)

Age, Height & Weight

The robust power forward was born on July 7, 1978. So, according to his birth date, Chris Andersen is 46 years old.

Likewise, he stands at the impressive height of 6 feet 10 inches, and his body weighs around 245 lb (111 kg).

Furthermore, he is known for his artwork on his chest, arms, back, hands, legs, and neck. He got his first tattoo on his eighteenth birthday.

Moreover, he has covered his entire upper body, including a fabulous free bird tattoo on the front of his neck. He inked the back of his head phrases “Give me war” and “Forever nightmare” that could be considered inspiring notations.

On the other hand, he is also remembered for several hairdos, specifically the Mohawk.

Is Chris Andersen Married or Single?

According to some credible sources, the intriguing man with a colorful body print, Andersen, has been engaged to his long-term girlfriend, glamorous Tina Wiseman. 

Likewise, Tina Wiseman’s a professional model, and she looked great for her assertive tattooed man.

Moreover, he had been spotted with Tina Wiseman numerous times. However, many sources claim they aren’t married yet; their current relationship status is unavailable.

Before that, his fiancée was Bandy Newman, who ended their engagement due to Chris’s drug involvement.

Chris Andersen: Net Worth & Salary 

The former hustler and decisive basketball player had a net worth of $15 million.

Moreover, in 2016-17, his salary with Charlotte Hornets was $1,551,659. And, in 2015-16, his salary with Memphis Grizzlies was $5,000,000.

Likewise, in 2013-14 Denver Nuggets’ estimated salary was $4,818,000. In 2012-13 his salary with Denver Nuggets was $4,526,000.

Therefore, his start-up salary with Denver Nuggets in 2001-02 was $43,250,101.

Social Media Presence

The 6’10 ” former striking center and power forward Andersen’s social media accounts with a username are given below.

Instagram: @chrisbirdmanandersen

Twitter: @Birdmanandersen

The Purpose Behind his Nickname “Birdman.”

Andersen earned his nickname from Denver Nuggets teammates Junior Harrington and Kenny Satterfield.

Moreover, they edged out his impressive wingspan and intense energy on the court and introduced the decent nickname “Birdman” for Andersen.

Hence, the given name is admired by all his fans and himself.

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Activist 

When talking about other things that many NBA enthusiasts might not be aware of, Chris Andersen is an animal lover. In addition, he is a prominent activist for the animal rights organization PETA.

Also, he starred in the 2011 campaign for the organization, Be comfortable in your skit and let animals keep theirs.

Moreover, he showed off his tattoos in PETA’s “Ink, Not Mink” advertising campaign to protest against the fur industry.

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Catfishing

Before something good happened, Andersen shortly encountered much worse in his life.

Additionally, it was reported that he had been scrutinized for the sophisticated catfishing strategy cooked up by a rural Canadian woman, Shelly Chartier.

She duped the NBA star by pretending to be a teen model and said she did it because she was a bored loner.

She created a fake conversation between Andersen and then-model Paris Dunn and orchestrated the tricky catfishing scheme.

To sum up, Anderson had not been obliged to commit any crime, and thus, his name was cleared before being accused.

 ABC News’s 20/20 and MTV’s Catfish: The TV Show covered the whole catfishing saga.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What drugs did Birdman use?

Birdman was using hard drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or PCP, and he got kicked off from NBA and followed a two-year ban from the League.

What happened to Andersen in between banishment?

Chris Andersen was sent to Rehab first and had ample time to clean up his act. Then, he made his reinstatement and came in for Denver Nuggets.