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Two Former Memphis Grizzlies Headline Season Two of BIG3 League

By Christian Dudley

DALLAS, TX - AUGUST 17: Power Chris Andersen #11 pulls down a rebound during the Big 3 Basketball playoff game between the Power and the Tri-State on August 17, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Power defeats Tri-State 51-49. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - AUGUST 17: Power Chris Andersen #11 pulls down a rebound during the Big 3 Basketball playoff game between the Power and the Tri-State on August 17, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Power defeats Tri-State 51-49. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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DULUTH, GA – AUGUST 10: Chris Andersen #11 of the Power walks onto the court as he is introduced during week eight of the BIG3 three on three basketball league at Infinite Energy Arena on August 10, 2018 in Duluth, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
DULUTH, GA – AUGUST 10: Chris Andersen #11 of the Power walks onto the court as he is introduced during week eight of the BIG3 three on three basketball league at Infinite Energy Arena on August 10, 2018 in Duluth, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Defensive Player of the Year Award

Chris “Birdman” Andersen is known for a lot of things during his NBA career. One is obviously his “Birdman” nickname. Another is his appearances in past NBA All-Star Weekend dunk contests. Of course there is the league suspension, which reinstatement actually catapulted his career to becoming one of the most widely-recognized players in recent history. He became a legend. Andersen also became an NBA World Champion as a member of the Miami Heat in 2013.

https://twitter.com/thebig3/status/1028115449819607041?s=21

While with the Memphis Grizzlies for a portion of the 2015-16 season, Chris Andersen appeared in just 20 games. However, that short stint will have Grizz Nation remembering “Birdman” for decades to come. In this late stage of his professional hoops career, his legendary nickname quickly switched to “Grizz Zilla.” That beard. His stature. The tattoos. That Grizzly scowl on his face. It was purely fitting for the 6’10” defensive specimen.

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Andersen was a great fit in a rough season for the Memphis Grizzlies. Now playing in the BIG3 league, he continues to mesh well with his counterparts. “Birdman,” or “Grizz Zilla” if you will, is as much of the entertainment factor as you could ask for in today’s basketball world. It is a no-brainer that he should be involved with Ice Cube’s league. The best part of it all? Chris Andersen can still play at a high level. With no surprise to anyone, he earned this season’s Defensive Player of the Year award as a member of team Power. It was not a popularity vote; Andersen led all players with 11 blocks on the season.

Go Grizz! 

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