Tyson Chandler, C, 33 years old
Initial thoughts:
Chandler has been around the block.
At 33 years old, Chandler is no longer going to be a franchise cornerstone that can average a double-double most nights while stifling the opposition on the other end.
However, he can still come somewhat close.
A 13-year vet in the league, Chandler is currently averaging 8.8 points and 11.6 rebounds a night to go with .8 blocks on the defensive end.
Areas of Strength:
Chandler has always been a defensive specialist who will crash the boards every time he steps on the floor.
This season, he really hasn’t missed a step in either respect. In fact, the Suns ranks third in the NBA in total rebound percentage, corralling 54 percent of the loose balls on a given night. Chandler’s 11 boards per contest have bolstered this team in way they haven’t been accustomed to in the past.
The defense hasn’t gone anywhere either, the Suns are tied for ninth in opposing points allowed with an average of 98.4 given up per game; a lot of that success can be attributed to Chandler’s presence alone.
All in all, the oldest player on the roster does quite a bit right.
Areas of Weakness:
Chandler is having a season that basketball fans have come to expect from him, and it seems as though time has yet to catch up with him.
If we are really nit-picking, it would be nice to see the field goal percentage increase just a bit; at .519 he’s converting on shot attempts at his lowest clip since his ’04-’05 season with Chicago.
Don’t know if that’s really a knock, or just a testament to how impressive he’s been in the past.
Moving Forward:
Defense and rebounding need to stay the name of the game for Chandler, while also placing an emphasis on continuing to convert on half of his shot attempts. Should that be the case, he will prove to be one of, if not the most, underrated free agent pick-ups of the summer.
Overall Grade:
A – Chandler has done everything that has been asked of him and then some. Should Alex Len flourish in his third year, playing alongside Chandler will have played a large role in that progression. The Len dynamic will be something to watch moving forward.
Next: Devin Booker