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.
