Former New York Knicks star Tyson Chandler is back on the free agent market. Here’s why a reunion would benefit the Knicks roster in 2021 and beyond.
The name Tyson Chandler is immediately recognizable for fans of the New York Knicks. The longtime NBA veteran enjoyed some of his best seasons during his time playing at Madison Square Garden.
Chandler represented a unique defensive force in NYC from 2011-2014. During that span, the traditional big man made his lone All-Star appearance (2013) and also brought a rare NBA Defensive Player of the Year award (2012) to the franchise. The former second overall pick also added a slew of defensive All-NBA teams and accolades before reuniting with the Dallas Mavericks in 2014.
Now, at the age of 38, Chandler finds himself back on the free agent market. Obviously, his advanced age has caused the former anchor to regress into a more of a leadership role than an on-court talent.
However, Chandler has performed quite admirably in this position in recent years. The 19-year vet managed to make a positive impact during his stops on the Suns, Lakers, and Rockets despite averaging just 12.5 minutes per game over the past three seasons.
Here’s why the Knicks would be wise to consider a reunion with Chandler during his 20th NBA season:
The Leadership
This is the most obvious benefit to adding a player like Chandler. The journeyman has done a phenomenal job of transitioning into a new role during the latter part of his career. His impact on the roster and locker room has been publicly been complimented by NBA visionaries such as head coach Mike D’Antoni and superstar LeBron James in recent seasons.
As the Knicks continue to target young talent to add to their recent core of high draft picks, a player who has existed in the NBA spotlight for half his like (literally!) could serve as a massive boost.
There is no way that Chandler could completely replicate the cultural impact that Udonis Haslem has had on the Miami Heat after devoting his entire 17-year career to the franchise. However, he could provide some of the same benefit.
Chandler has played through countless coaches, teammates, schemes, and winning levels. He would assuredly command instant respect among a young and impressionable New York roster.
Additionally, Chandler boasts the NBA Championship accolades he won as a member of the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. Throw in his Gold Medal winning experience as a member of Team USA and it becomes clear that the seven-footer still has value as an active roster member.
The Mentorship
In addition to a potential role as a leader on the overall roster, signing Chandler could also pay dividends for the Knicks current centers. Mitchell Robinson, who may very well be the team’s best player and future star, has a similar body type and style of play. Both are more traditional big men who have made their career due to their ability to anchor a defense and protect the paint. Both are also reputation shot blockers and rim runners.
As Robinson continues to strive toward earning consistent playing time, Chandler’s teaching could help the budding star make the leap fans have been craving for over the past few seasons.
The Knicks also signed former 6th overall pick Nerlens Noel to a one-year contract during the offseason. This means the center position has become the deepest on an otherwise barren depth chart.
Noel is another player known mostly for his length and potential defensive impact. He, like both Robinson and Chandler, is certainly not the type of player to stretch the court by shooting three-point shots. He is a bit of a modern NBA dinosaur who plays solid defense, crashes the boards, and records an occasional highlight dunk.
Noel’s career arc has also followed a similar path as Chandler’s. Both were top draft picks with high expectations. Both also struggled considerably out of the gate. Chandler’s unique perspective on how to right a slow start could be invaluable for the six-year pro.
With any luck, Noel could develop further and become a potential trade chip or a longer-term part of the Knicks’ future.
Conclusion
A reunion between Chandler and the Knicks feels like an obvious fit. The only thing that could inhibit a signing would be the center’s willingness to play on what is expected to be a bad Knicks team. There is also a question as to whether the veteran would be willing to continue to NBA grind with retirement seemingly right around the corner.
Regardless, the Knicks should reach out to Chandler about a potential role in 2021. In the best-case scenario, he could be a Haslem-typed leader on the active roster. There could also be a possibility the two parties could discuss a future role as a coach of off-court leadership role.