NEW YORK — The NBA reinstated Chris Andersen from a drug suspension today, and the New Orleans Hornets will have the first chance to sign their former player.

Andersen was kicked out on Jan. 27, 2006, for violating the league's drug policy. Since he was "dismissed and disqualified" for a specific violation, he was forced to wait two years to apply for reinstatement.

Anderson's rights belong to the Hornets, provided they offer him a contract in the next 30 days, which they are expected to do. The team scheduled a news conference following practice Tuesday.

"We were always more concerned with Chris Andersen the person rather than Chris Andersen the player and are pleased that he has taken the appropriate measures to get himself reinstated by the NBA," general manager Jeff Bower said in a statement.

"We will now begin the process of getting him back on the court and back in a Hornets uniform as quickly as possible."