Nuggets' big man Chris Andersen claims that he is in a better place right now than he has ever been before, both on and off the court.

"I'm mentally, physically, emotionally better ? on and off the court ? than I've ever been," said Andersen. "And stronger. It's just made me a better person, going through what I've been through. Life-changing experiences will make you stronger. I'm definitely more intelligent, more mature about decisions."  

Andersen was kicked out of the league, following a positive drug test in January of 2006, but has fought his way back into the NBA.