( dpa ) - Chris Andersen has been reinstated after serving a two-year ban for violating the NBA's anti-doping policy, the league announced on Tuesday.
Andersen was expelled on January 27, 2006, for testing positive for a prohibited substance under the NBA/NBPA programme.
At the time he was kicked out, Andersen played for the New Orleans Hornets, so they hold his rights and will have the first crack at offering him a contract, provided it is made within 30 days. If they do not, he will become an unrestricted free agent eligible to sign with any team.
Before he was banned, the 6-foot-10 Andersen was averaging 5.0 points and 4.8 rebounds in 32 games in 2005-06. He owns career averages of 5.1 points and 4.8 rebounds in 253 games.