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Chris Andersen had been kicked out of the NBA for substance abuse, a two-year banishment that ended Sunday. Today in New Orleans, Andersen's two former teams, the Nuggets and Hornets, will face each other. Today in New York, Andersen's fate will be debated ? the Denver resident, sober and apologetic, has applied for reinstatement to the NBA. "As I hope to resume my career, I feel healthier ? mentally, physically and emotionally ? than I have ever felt before," Andersen said. "I've definitely kept in shape and kept up my basketball work ethic, and I'm also doing stuff in the community off the court, as well. It's in the NBA's hands, now. And I'm thankful for an opportunity for a second chance." The NBA's league office will review Andersen's reinstatement application, as will the National Basketball Players Association and the NBA's medical director. Both organizations must agree on the final decision. Cases like these are rare ? only nine NBA players have been dismissed because of drug-policy violations; the most recent to be reinstated was Stanley Roberts in 2003. And so, there is no timetable for a decision on Andersen. If he is reinstated, the Hornets have 30 days to sign him for the rest of the season. If they decline, he becomes an unrestricted free agent. -- Denver Post

Jason Kidd is unhappy and wants to be traded to a contender. The Nets may grant him his wish. A league source with knowledge of the situation said the Nets are exploring all options to move the point guard and have been granted permission by ownership to trade him. Finding the right deal is the hard part, but the Nets are exploring numerous scenarios. Some include more than two teams that would "gut the franchise," one source said. The Nets are expected to be one of the most active teams leading up to the Feb. 21 trade deadline. One scenario would have Kidd returning to Dallas, where he started his career, and probably would include another team. The Nets, the source said, would get Devean George, DeSagana Diop and draft picks. Jerry Stackhouse may have to be added to make it work financially, but there likely is more involved. Nets president Rod Thorn said nothing is close to happening, but he and special assistant Kiki Vandeweghe have been working the phones. The Mavericks, Lakers, Nuggets and Cavaliers have the most interest in Kidd, who wouldn't mind returning to the Western Conference. -- Bergen Record