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Knicks Trade Rumors: Pros, Cons Of Pursuing Wilson Chandler

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 7, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jerami Grant (9) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jerami Grant (9) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 17, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) drives against Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) during the second half of a NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) drives against Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) during the second half of a NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Defensive Versatility

Any trade that the New York Knicks make for the short-term will need to be done with defense in mind. The Knicks’ offense certainly isn’t elite, but its defense ranks amongst the worst in the NBA and is the source of its below .500 record.

Though not necessarily an elite defensive player, Wilson Chandler has proven capable of being a high-level defender throughout his NBA career.

Chandler has the gift of a 6’8″ and 225-pound frame, as well as an approximated 6’10” wingspan and plus athleticism. That enables him to defend both wing positions, as well as power forwards who don’t play in the post.

Given the scarce nature of power forwards who do so, Chandler could be the ultimate game-changer for New York due to his positional versatility.

He may not fit with the Denver Nuggets, but Chandler could be plugged into a significant role from Day 1 in New York. He could fill in at small forward or power forward in either a starting or backup role, with Carmelo Anthony either remaining at the 3 or shifting to the 4.

Also one of the best rebounders at his position, Chandler would be a welcome addition to a Knicks team that needs to keep teams off the boards.

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