By Chris Dempsey
A new version of Chris Andersen is starting to emerge this season, one without the game-in, game-out flash.
But one just as effective. Maybe moreso.
His blocks – the staple of his game – are down, but his rebounds have held steady. His minutes are up. His free throw percentage is up. His effectiveness as a mid-range jump shooter is rising. All of the numbers aren’t good, but statistics don’t all the time tell the entire story.
His wings aren’t totally clipped, but he is morphing into the kind of player every team needs, a guy who can contribute consistently in a variety of different ways on an every night basis.
“He’s not playing those spectacular games, those games where the momentum of the game has been dictated by him, but he’s still giving us good minutes,” Nuggets coach George Karl said.
Andersen has also dealt with nagging injuries. He suffered a right knee contusion on Tuesday at Indiana.
On top of that, teams are more aware of him, which is contributing to fewer shot-blocking opportunities.
“I don’t think he’s going to have as many roaming opportunities as he did last year,” Karl said. “He was a great shot blocker and a great offensive rebounder for us, but I don’t think his energy has been bad. I just don’t think he’s had that explosive, spectacular game.”
Andersen is averaging 5.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and a block in 22.0 minutes per game.
http://blogs.denverpost.com/nuggets/200 ... out-flash/
