Center – Tyson Chandler
Projection – 6.8 points / 8.8 rebounds / .3 assists / .6 blocks
Tyson Chandler will start, but he won’t play as many minutes as last year. With Alex Len presumably on the roster (he will re-sign eventually…right?), Alan Williams, and the growing usage of Marquese Chriss – all at center – and Chandler will see diminished playing time to make way for his younger teammates.
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Though he only participated in 47 games last season, he manager to record his third highest rebounding average of his career with 11.5 – and in only 27.5 minutes. In fact, his per-36 average of 14.9 was a career-high. It is entirely possible that he has the physical ability and drive to reach those averages again (at least the per-36), although it just seems unlikely that he’ll average at or above 27.6 minutes per game automatically shrinking his per game average.
Do not expect him to average a double-double (something he hasn’t actually had since 2014-15) or as many 20 rebound games as last season (three). However, do expect to see at least one more season of the most mature leader on the roster, one who will accept his diminishing role with dignity and class, and when called upon, reward his teammates and fans with every ounce of effort he’s got.