As an NBA player, Andersen is rather insignificant. In fact, it's likely that no one except Hornets fans, or diehard NBA fans have ever heard of him, unless they remember him for his ridiculous hair, or for how badly he performed in the dunk contest a few years ago. The reason that this story has any significance is that it shows what kind of standard the NBA has for drug use. Basically it is saying if you screw up, you will be punished (two years is a long time), but if you straighten up, you'll have another chance. This wasn't always the case, as the leauge denied reinstatement to Roy Tarpley, who was suspended for drug use in 1995. 

UPDATE: Andersen isn't as insignificant as one would have thought. He's playing significant minutes for a Nuggets team that is much better than expected thanks to the Billups-Iverson trade, and is currently 4th in blocks per game.

Thanks to my boycott of the NBA I don't care, but I think that even without my boycott I would still have no clue who this guy is...

Welcome back Birdman:

Chris Andersen is only relevant to me because he is a gawky white guy who calls himself "The Birdman." Not a bad nickname. His Dunk Contest performance is infamous. It was truly something horrific to watch. Hopefully he will stay in the league long enough to get asked back. He is only a role player and will not have any big effect being back in the league.