King James Gospel
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Chris Andersen: 3 Potential Replacements For The Cleveland Cavaliers

By Quenton S. Albertie

Dec 23, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders (8) reaches for a rebound during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders (8) reaches for a rebound during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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King James Gospel takes a look at three centers that can replace Chris Andersen for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Chris Andersen is out for the season after having surgery to repair a torn ACL. Andersen, who was signed this summer to be depth at the center position and be an “enforcer” for the Cleveland Cavaliers, hasn’t had a regular role in the rotation for the defending champions but without him being able to play the Cleveland Cavaliers have a void at center.

It’s not that Andersen was just a rim-protector or an able finisher. He was a player that the Cleveland Cavaliers could depend on if Tristan Thompson, who has played in 394 regular season consecutive games was suddenly unavailable or Channing Frye, who can be schemed out of games with small lineups, wasn’t the player Lue needed to call on.

Andersen, whose age did begin to show signs of affecting his play, was still one of the most mobile centers in the NBA though isn’t as explosive a leaper as he used to be. “Birdman”, as he’s been called throughout his NBA career, was also one of the league’s best “tough guys”. When the playoffs resume and teams start trying to take James out of his (the) game with physicality, having a guy like Andersen on the floor is manna from heaven. Andersen might still be on the team if the Cavs are unable to offload his contract in a trade. However, he won’t be rushing into potential skirmishes as he’s recovering from a torn ACL.

With Andersen out for the season, there are a few players that could replace him.