Tyson Chandler v Alex Len: Centers of the Future
By Adam Maynes
Brought into the Valley of the Suns under two entirely different circumstances, Alex Len was the Phoenix Suns’ 5th overall selection in the 2013 NBA draft while Tyson Chandler was used as a bargaining chip for the acquisition of LaMarcus Aldridge – an attempt that proved futile.
When drafted, Alex Len was supposed to be the center of the future. An athletic, long, big with a soft touch jump shot, he came into the league missing a successful post move that once developed would help him become the perfect hybrid of the centers of the past, with those of the present.
Tyson Chandler was acquired to try and leverage LaMarcus Aldridge. Although Aldridge ultimately decided not to sign with Phoenix, Chandler was immediately placed at the top of the depth chart for his uncanny rebounding ability, championship experience, and veteran leadership.
He is the very essence of professional veteran that every young team needs. One who has won at the highest level and is willing and eager to share the knowledge gained from his experience.
Further evidence of his professional character is exemplified recently as Chandler has been benched for the second half of the season to give additional time for Len and Alan Williams – a demotion he has accepted without a peep of complaint. In fact, it has been reported that Tyson works just as hard in practice now as he did when he was the team’s starter, proving to be just as dedicated.
However, whereas Tyson Chandler is on the down slope of his career at age 34 (he will be 35 before the start of the 2017-18 season), Alex Len is only 23-years old. In an era of college one or two and dones, Len should still only now be in his second year in the pro’s, had he completed all four years of his college eligibility.
Regardless, with Len entering restricted free agency this summer, (as well as the emergence of Alan Williams who is also a restricted free agent) the Suns will have to decide whether or not to let Len go and keep Tyson, or re-sign Len long-term, and trade Chandler.