A Champion Chandler Joins The Mix
At age 32, Tyson Chandler’s best years are undoubtedly behind him. But even with a four-year, $52 million extension, maybe that’s the point of signing a former NBA champion, Defensive Player of the Year and All-NBA selection: he’s experienced. For a team that badly needed veteran leadership in the locker room last season, Chandler is more than worth the slight overpay.
As has been the case with most of McDonough’s moves, this one came out of nowhere. One minute the Suns were about to sit down with free agent LaMarcus Aldridge in what most people considered to be a long shot pitch. The next, McDonough had a power play up his sleeve:
The Suns are bringing Tyson Chandler into the meeting with LaMarcus Aldridge as part of their pitch, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2015
Chandler gave the Suns a legitimate free agency pitch to work with, since he represented the kind of true defensive center that Aldridge wanted to play alongside. That would have theoretically allowed Aldridge to play his preferred position at the 4 while Chandler covered up some of his defensive deficiencies in the paint.
As we all know, Aldridge never came to be, but that doesn’t negate the impact that Chandler will have in Phoenix — and not just as a veteran presence in the locker room. Last season with the Dallas Mavericks, Chandler averaged 10.3 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 66.6 percent from the floor.
Though he’ll be relegating third-year center Alex Len to bench duty, Chandler makes the Suns a better team and should serve as a wonderful mentor to the 23-year-old Len. Phoenix now has a defensive anchor, locker room leader and true professional to work with. His ability as a diver to the basket in pick-and-roll sets should also open things up for Phoenix’s perimeter shooters.
For those concerned about his recent injury history, don’t forget that Chandler played 75 games last season. The Suns are renowned for their warlock training staff, which has prolonged the careers and health of numerous aging stars like Steve Nash and Grant Hill. One trip to Phoenix’s Lazarus Pits should have him playing well and staying healthy for years to come.
*Suns trainers walk into meeting*
— Robby Kalland (@RKalland) July 1, 2015
"Where's the coach? GM?"
"No need, Tyson. Drink this."
*drinks mystery drink*
"How you feel?"
"Amazing!"
Grade: B+
Next: The Turning Point