"The Birdman" makes progress

It was a blast from the past, a memory of yesteryear — Birdman, hanging from the rim.

Chris "The Birdman" Andersen is (almost) back. The Nuggets' reserve center has made some significant progress from his right knee rehab, and at Denver's Thursday shootaround, he even leapt up after practice to rattle the rim.

As for his return, the Nuggets have tentatively targeted it post- Thanksgiving, but Birdman's upcoming progress will determine if it's then, sooner or later.

"He's anxious and ambitious to get back as quick as possible," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "I think the next three days, he'll probably (practice) some — I don't know if he'll run up the court in 5-on-5, but I think he'll participate in all 5-on-0 and shooting activities and stuff like that. We're starting that process to get him to play 5-on-5."