Drew Litton: Bird’s Nest

Check it out here.

Birdman stays in Denver!!

From the Denver Post...

This is great news for all fans of the Birdman!!

Contract Talks Begin...

From Pickaxeandroll.com...

"The negotiations between Chris Andersen and the Nuggets have begun. Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien is currently in Los Angeles, meeting with Andersen's representatives, notably Denver-based attorney Mark Bryant and agent Steve Huemann of the Los Angeles-based Creative Arts Agency.

Bryant said the goal is to try to get Andersen a five-year deal around the mid-level exception (in the $5 million range annually).

"I think that's possible. But we're a team player," Bryant said this morning. "We'll make the necessary adjustments if we can and find the right fit."

"We really respect what's gone on in Denver," said Bryant, who pointed to the selling of the second-round draft pick as a clear sign that Denver is trying to gather money to pay Andersen. "We really love the management, we really love coach (George) Karl. And maybe on the top of the list is the town — that town loves this kid, and he loves them."

We'll wait and see. Keep your fingers crossed!

Lakers Advance. Nuggets Go Home.

It was a great Nugget season, there's no doubt about that. In the end, they just weren't consistent enough or composed enough to overcome the Lakers, who were both of those things. As good as the Nuggets were this season, they need to fix some things before they can make a serious run at a championship again.

So long for now Birdman. We've loved watching you play this year and I know we all hope you're back in Denver for next season and beyond. Thanks for the effort, the energy, the highlights, the style and all the hard work. Denver Nuggets fans around the world certainly do appreciate it...

Nice Post About The Odom Block...

Andersen posterizes Odom.

On The Edge...

Once again Chris Andersen is the only Nuggets player to show up with anything resembling intensity in a playoff game, finishing with 8 rebounds and 4 blocks in the game 5 loss in LA that may signal the end for Denver. His rejection of Odom's dunk at the rim was epic.

Billups, Carmelo, Nene, K-Mart, JR Smith and Dahntay Jones were sleepwalking through this one. I see Dahntay's name in the box score so I guess he was in LA last night, though I don't recall seeing him. What can you do? When stars like Chauncey and Carmelo don't show up with any passion or intensity, why should we as fans give a shit? I know Melo got 31 last night, but I don't recall seeing 31 more meaningless points in a playoff game, ever.

I think this series is over. I'll just enjoy seeing one more game with the Birdman this year. Looking back, I believe that when Denver shit their pants in game 3 at home, it was basically the beginning of the end. If you can't defend your home court, you don't deserve to play at this level. That's just how it is.

It's been a pleasure watching you play Mr. Andersen. I hope you're back next year, getting paid what you've so clearly earned this year.

Last Night's ESPN Piece on the Birdman

Check it out...

All Tied Up

It's been a few days since I've posted any updates and in that time, the Nuggets have won one and lost one on their home court after winning game 2 in LA, leaving the series tied at 2 games a piece. The loss on Saturday night was pretty ugly with Billups and Carmelo both struggling. Billups was back on track last night and got some help from JR Smith since Carmelo is still in a funk.

Over the last two games, Chris, the Birdman Andersen has been terrific. In the loss on Saturday he scored 15 points, had 7 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. Last night he had 6 points, 14 rebounds and 2 blocked shots. Let's hope he brings his signature brand of energy and electricity to LA because the Nuggets will need it. ESPN even nice piece on the Birdman's career at halftime.

Lastly, I have to admit that I'm getting pretty sick of/annoyed with Carmelo's constant grimacing and acting hurt during games. Is he waiting for someone to do a piece on how much of a warrior he is for playing in pain? I think it's an act and I think it's pretty weak. Cut the shit Carmelo. You're too good for that.

Check out the Birdman erasing a weak attempt by Shannon Brown last night.

...and from Saturday, the two hand finish.

Denver Drops Game 1 in LA

Is it just me or do the Lakers look more mentally tough than the Nuggets? If our guys expect to have a chance in this series, it's clear that they meed a big lead near the end of the game. Hopefully, last night was an anomaly. The Nuggets missed 12 foul shots, which is a death sentence in the Playoffs. Carmelo scored 39 and had the kind of game that Denver is going to need for the rest of the season. He may have to check Kobe a lot more too because no one else on the team can.

Chauncey had a good game. His game was better than it seemed. But Like Carmelo, Mr. Big Shot needs to be great for Denver to beat the Lakers. There is no margin for error here. I'd like to see him be more aggressive and control the game more.

Dahntay Jones, Anthony Carter and JR Smith were flat out bad last night. They all played like shit, combining for 7 turnovers and 9 points. If you want to know why Denver lost, this is a good place to start. These are the Playoffs fellas. It's time to show up and take care of business. Too bad none of them chose to play defense last night...

Chris Andersen was one of only 4 players who showed up and played with some intensity. In 24 minutes on the floor he finished with 8 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocked shots, but like usual, his game is all about the intangibles. He played great defense, set some outstanding picks and seemed to always be where he could make a positive impact on the game. The Nuggets have a lot of talent, but I wish there was a way for them to take on some of the Birdman's intensity and persistence.

We'll see how it goes Thursday.

New Birdman Shirt from the NBA Store!

The NBA apparently knows what's up. Check out the new Chris Andersen t-shirt...

Denver Is Moving on...

The Denver Nuggets beat the Dallas Mavericks 124-110 last night in game 5 to advance to the Western Conference Finals against the winner of the LA/Houston series.

It was great to see Chris Andersen back on the court last night even though he once again found himself in foul trouble and played limited minutes. Still, he brought energy to the game and lifted the crowd despite not putting up great numbers. The Nuggets will definitely need him to be healthy and productive if they hope to beat their next opponent.