Birdman: What Happened to that Boy?

Chris "Birdman" Andersen got bounced from the league for torching doobies. Unfortunate, because the kid had a knack for blocking shots and humiliating himself in the dunk contest. I watched him play, and honestly, he's pretty good. I always felt he had a huge potential upside if he could ever get it clicking. When he got banned from the league I figured he'd go, kick back, and start blazing away with Shawn Kemp. Turns out he's still in solid shape and will be trying a comeback; come January Andersen will be eligible to petition the league for reinstatement. Surprisingly enough Byron Scott, known for being a hardassed disciplinarian, says he'd take back Birdie in a second. From the Times-Picayune (by way of RealGm):

"If he is cleared by the NBA and everything, I would love to have Birdman back," Scott said. ". . . He was one of my favorites. He's very coachable and played as hard as anybody, and I would love to have him back."

Condolences to Big Z

I talk a lot of shit about trading the big man, but don't get it twisted; the Swagglers have nothing but love for Zydrunas Ilgauskas. What he's had to face recently, the stillbirth of his twins, is something nobody should have to deal with. The fact that it was his first children only compounds this indescribable tragedy. Our thoughts are with Z and his family as they attempt to move past this. Big props to Ilgauskas on returning to the team so quickly. It shows his level of commitment and love for the city of Cleveland. The man is a warrior, and I think I speak for all Clevelanders when I say the city wouldn't be the same without him.