Little Birdman fan boy Gianni Zandri is so detailed in his resemblance to the real Birdman — Miami Heat forward Chris Andersen — that it’s really incredible.
Little Birdman has received attention going back to last year when he showed up to Heat games sporting a mohawk. At the time he resembled Birdman, but he didn’t exactly have the full look down.
Had an amazing time with Dad last night at the NBA Finals in Miami- Go Heat! I was lucky to meet so many cool people! pic.twitter.com/OU41jot6UG
— Gianni Zandri (@GianniZandri) June 10, 2013
It wasn’t until later that his dad started taking him to an artist before games so he could have Birdman’s tattoos colored onto his body. According to the New Times, the process took 4.5 hours and was done the first time so Gianni could get a picture with his favorite player.
Little Birdman blew up during Game 6 of the Finals last year when Shaq invited him onto the court and took a picture with him. Soon after LeBron James’ mother Gloria met him and had him take a picture with LeBron. He was even invited into the locker room last year to hold the Larry O’Brien Trophy!
Congratulations to our Miami Heat! Amazing time! Thank you!!! #LittleBirdman pic.twitter.com/E2NkbXsJve
— Gianni Zandri (@GianniZandri) June 22, 2013
What’s so impressive is Gianni’s attention to detail with the tattoos; as he’s gotten more into it, he’s increased the amount of tattoos he has drawn on his body.
The picture below is from last year’s Finals:
The photo below is from this season:
That’s a couple extra hours of work right there to fill in all that space. But it’s all worth it when you get a picture with the guy you idolize as Gianni did last year:
So why does Gianni’s dad go all-out like this for his son? He lost his father and realized his time with his son is precious, so he wants to make sure they enjoy it to the fullest. They certainly know how to take things to the next level.
