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The proverbial rollercoaster that has been Wilson Chandler's career took another one of its plunges during the 2018-19 campaign. After improving his scoring average year over year for four consecutive seasons in Denver, Chandler saw that streak broken during the 2017-18 season -- his last with the Nuggets. However, he still averaged a serviceable 10.0 points per game and shot 44.5 percent in what was his last year in the Mile High City. The bottom then more or less fell out last season, as Chandler averaged a career-low 6.0 points on just 41.8 percent shooting across 51 games with the Clippers and the 76ers. Curiously, Chandler's 37.3 percent success rate from three-point range ranked as the second-highest of his career. Chandler came to the Nets on a one-year contract for the veteran minimum, as he's expected to help round out the rotation at both forward spots. Entering his age-32 season, Chandler certainly looks to be best suited for the reserve role he's projected for, and he's likely to offer decent returns in scoring, rebounds and assists relative to his playing time. However, with a relatively inexperienced player in front of him at the four in Rodions Kurucs, Chandler could be in for a bump in the 23.1 minutes per contest he averaged last season, his lowest allotment of playing time since his rookie season.
Chandler moved back into a full-time starting role after coming off the bench for much of the previous campaign. While that helped boost his playing time up to 31.6 minutes per game, Chandler was still playing alongside some talented players and his production actually fell across the board while operating as a complementary scorer. Chandler averaged just 10.0 points per game, which was his lowest output since the 2011-12 season, and he also added 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists. The 31-year-old was able to play both forward positions and was primarily prided for his floor stretching ability, knocking down 1.2 three-pointers per game at a 35.8 percent clip. After publicly stating his displeasure with his role in the organization, the Nuggets opted to trade him to the 76ers this offseason. Despite the change in scenery, however, Chandler is likely looking at a tougher path to playing time. Both Robert Covington and Dario Saric should be locked into starting roles at small forward and power forward, respectively, resulting in Chandler shifting back to the bench. He'll likely operate as the team's sixth man, though with less minutes, his production could suffer a bit. Consider Chandler as a later round option in deeper leagues for now.
Chandler has become a fan favorite in Denver, as he's one of the best pure scorers on the roster. With averages of 15.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game last season, Chandler came close to setting career-highs across the board. Considering the fact that he did that damage while shooting 46 percent from the field on a career-high 13.2 shots per game, it was one of his most efficient seasons as well. Things are opening up for Chandler too, as he looks to fill the minutes that Danilo Galinari will leave behind. Chandler should open the season as the starting small forward, with just Will Barton and Juan Hernangomez posing any threat to his minutes. That should allow Chandler to approach his 30.9 minutes per game. Don't be surprised to see Chandler play some shooting guard and power forward as well, as he's versatile enough to play all three positions. That said, with the addition of superstar Paul Millsap in the offseason and the continued growth of the up-and-coming Nikola Jokic, Chandler could have a tough time surpassing his production from a season ago, even with the departure of Gallinari.
After signing him to a four-year extension last July, the Nuggets were counting on another productive season from Chandler, but a hip injury sustained during the preseason would ultimately prevent him from seeing the court altogether. Chandler underwent season-ending surgery in mid-November, but is expected back at full strength for the start of training camp. While Chandler started 75 of 78 games in 2014-15, he'll likely begin the season coming off the bench as the top option behind Danilo Gallinari. Denver will certainly employ small-ball lineups with both Gallinari and Chandler on the floor together, and Chandler is also versatile enough to fill in at either shooting guard or as a small-ball power forward. The problem, at least from a fantasy perspective, is that Denver is among the deepest teams in the Western Conference. Aside from Gallinari, Chandler will compete with Will Barton, Gary Harris, Jamal Murray, Darrell Arthur and Juan Hernangomez for minutes, which could ultimately cap his fantasy ceiling. However, the Nuggets' depth, combined with concerns over last season's injury, could mean Chandler may be available at a discount in many drafts.
Chandler had one of his most productive seasons in 2014-15. He played in 78 games, averaging 13.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists through 32 minutes per game. He also shot 43 percent from the field, 78 percent from the free-throw line, and 34 percent from three-point range. His 6.1 rebounds were a career-high. The depth at guard and forward make Chandler's role a bit iffy under new coach Mike Malone, but his ability to play multiple positions allows Chandler to get consistent playing time even when he's not starting. Chandler has always shown flashes of enormous talent, but he's yet to put it all together for a full 82-game schedule, and until he does, he's just a formidable hybrid guard/forward who lacks the agression and consistent health needed to be a big factor in fantasy. With his ability to shoot and finish at the rim, he can score against anyone, but it's a matter of will more than anything for the ninth-year pro. It appears Chandler will be the starting shooting guard next to rookie Emmanuel Mudiay, with Danilo Gallinari manning the small forward position.
Wilson Chandler averaged 13.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks last season with Denver. He dealt with a groin injury that held him out toward the end of the season, but he did manage to play 62 games of decently productive basketball. The lack of options on the Nuggets certainly helped his cause, and the season-long injury to Danilo Gallinari (knee) didn't hurt either. Looking ahead, Gallinari will likely move back into the starting lineup, which could pose some problems for Chandler's value during 2014-15. With Arron Afflalo back with the Nuggets, Chandler seems destined for a bench role backing up the wing positions and potentially seeing some run at power forward.
With Danilo Gallinari sidelined until at least December with a knee injury, Chandler will start the season as the Nuggets starting small forward and should remain one of the key players in the rotation throughout the season. Last year, he only saw 25 minutes per game - his lowest average since his rookie season in 2007-08. He steadily averaged 30-plus mpg up until 2011-12, and now that Andre Iguodala is out of the picture, that's a very realistic possibility again this season. His shooting percentages of .462/.413/.793 from 2012-13 are pretty nice for where he'll be drafted, and his per game averages of 13.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.0 steal and 1.2 three-pointers should all see a bump with more minutes. While Gallo is out, Chandler could be the team's go-to option on offense next to Ty Lawson. While more shots might result in a dip in field-goal percentage, his free-throw attempts (3.7 per game last season) and offensive counting stats should all rise to a level that will make up for any dip in efficiency.
Chandler is good enough to start on a number of NBA teams but his solid, all-around skill set will be used in a reserve role behind Gallinari at the three this season.
Chandler opted to wait out the NBA lockout in China, signing a contract with the Zhejiang Guangsha of the Chinese Basketball Association. He does not have an opt-out in the deal - the Chinese league doesn't allow such agreements - so Chandler won't be able to return to the NBA until the CBA's season is over. In theory, the Denver Nuggets will retain his restricted free agent rights, but it isn't certain that RFA status will exist in the next NBA collective bargaining agreement.
Last season, Chandler averaged 15.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game while posting hitting a 47.9 percent of his shot attempts. Those strengths, coupled with his lack of real (fantasy) weaknesses, combined to give him some value in a standard format league. The problem is – and it's strange to say about a player entering his age-23 season – there's little reason to expect much more from Chandler. For starters, he played 35.7 minutes per game, a number that he's unlikely to eclipse by much. Moreover, he showed no improvement whatsoever on a per-minute basis, posting numbers almost identical to the season previous. Finally, there's little reason to expect that New York's offseason roster mix-up will create more opportunity for Chandler. So, don't be afraid to draft him in the mid-to-late rounds; just don't expect improvement from a youngish player.
Chandler burst onto the scene in his sophomore campaign a year ago, earning a starting job on the injury-riddled Knicks and becoming one of the focal points of the team. His averages of 14.4 points, 5.4 boards, 2.1 assists, 1.3 treys, 0.9 steals and 0.9 blocks about doubled his production in those categories from his rookie year. Chandler is a 6-8, 220-pound combo forward that’s comfortable on the inside but is able to move out to the midrange without difficulty. His added three-point range made him an increasingly difficult cover for opposing big men, which often left him facing smaller wings. The Knicks are at a bit of a crossroads, though, which leaves Chandler in limbo this season. Last year’s lottery pick Danilo Gallinari is expected to be back and healthy, and has already claimed to be the new face of the franchise. With David Lee likely to be on the roster, there could be a minute crunch at forward. Nevertheless, Chandler is only 22 years old and has enough growth potential to merit a significant role.
Chandler put up some pretty decent numbers during the tail end of his rookie season, averaging 12 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in April as the Knicks played out the string. He's a good fit for D'Antoni's style of play - he has the outside shot and quickness to play the perimeter, but the strength to bang in the paint or defend bigger forwards. If he can play his way into a significant role, he could emerge as a sort of poor man's Shawn Marion - but his path to big minutes may be blocked by the likes of Quentin Richardson and Zach Randolph.
Chandler was New York’s first-round draft pick in the 2007 draft. He’s got good athleticism and can play either forward position, but will slot in at small forward. Not that he’ll play enough for it to matter, though. The Knicks are expected to compete for the postseason, so giving the rookie time to develop is not a priority as the 2007-08 season begins.