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Tyson Chandler believes 2019 Playoffs are not out of reach for young Suns.

By Chad Boyles

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 10: Tyson Chandler #4 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 10, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 10: Tyson Chandler #4 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 10, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NBA champion, All-Star, Defensive Player of the Year, 18-year veteran. Tyson Chandler is credible, and recently spoke highly of his young teammates and their current position.

Tyson Chandler, 35, has seen better years statistically, and has not seen post-season basketball since joining the Suns in 2015. Despite the lack of playing time near the end of each of the last two seasons, Chandler’s attitude has been unprecedented, and it continued to be nothing but optimistic in a recent interview. The topic is crazier than you think.

That’s right, it’s playoff talk in Phoenix!

Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns /

Phoenix Suns

“I think we can make the playoffs next year with the proper moves, to be honest,” Chandler said in an interview with azcentral sports. He then went on to predict a successful trio of Devin Booker, Josh Jackson and DeAndre Ayton, calling it “something to work with.”  Those three and cap space put to good use and Chandler might just be on track to become the Suns’ next General Manager.

In the interview, Chandler referred to Booker and Jackson  as “Batman and Robin…cornerstones”  and highlighted the guys on the current roster as players the Suns can “move forward with.”  We continue to see Josh Jackson shine while we also watch the likelihood of the top overall pick grow larger. For Chandler and the Suns, those are just pieces falling into place.

As the Suns continue losing games, heading for their second worst record in franchise history, Chandler and Head Coach Jay Triano even reflected on the 1996-97 Spurs 20-62 record which transformed into 56-26 the next year. That change in large part due to number one overall pick and every Suns fans worst nightmare, Tim Duncan.

But although Chandler finds Booker and Jackson all-star caliber players, and likes the idea of adding Ayton to that tandem, he knows the importance of building around them and such youth.

Chandler agrees with General Manager Ryan McDonough in regard to bringing in veterans, which has proven to be a good move for many teams through the years. Chandler refers to them as “glue-guys.” Perhaps vital to the baby Suns’ growth.

We are not sure what moves McDonough has planned, what coach he will bring in, or who he will draft. But Tyson Chandler and his positive attitude remind us that it may not be as crazy as it seems, that the sun is beginning to shine brighter (is that a pun?). The Suns have their focal points, the promise, and now it is time they bring in a top pick and go after the right veterans, and by June 2019: THE PHOENIX SUNS ARE YOUR NBA CHAMPIONS! (It is not in quotes because no one has said it before).

Next: Five signs this season has been an absolute failure

One step at a time!

Tyson Chandler is expected to be on that 2018-19 roster. As for who joins him, Suns fans everywhere can only hope it is the playoff roster Chandler was referring too. The NBA just isn’t the same without Phoenix Suns playoff basketball!

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