Chandler Looking to Establish Himself
By: Tommy Beer Last Updated: 7/13/10 10:16 AM ET | 2880 times read
Adjust font size:To say that all of New York City was distraught after the Knicks lost out on the LeBron Lottery isn't completely true. Sure, Wilson Chandler would have loved to have seen his team land one of the game's greatest players; but, on the flip side, it may have led to Chandler eventually getting shipped out of town.
LeBron James wasn't the only perimeter player the Knicks were targeting this summer. Joe Johnson and Rudy Gay were also in the Knicks' crosshairs as GM Donnie Walsh was looking to team up Amar'e Stoudemire with a big-name wingman. Instead, Walsh rounded out the Knicks roster with a much-needed starting PG in Raymond Felton as well as the dynamic, high-flying Anthony Randolph – in addition to Kelenna Azubuike, Ronny Turiaf, and international man of mystery, Russian center Timofey Mozgov.
Moreover, the Knicks still have a young wing in Chandler who they hope can develop into a legitimate star shining brightly alongside Amar'e.
Just 23 years old, Chandler has just scratched the surface of his potential. Can he build off the strides he has already taken in his young career, in particular the promise he showed during the heart of the 2009-2010 season?
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View Tommy Beer Archive Last year, Coach D'Antoni and his coaching staff had high expectations of Wilson coming into the season, as New York was hoping their third year pro out of DePaul was ready to take that elusive 'next step.' But Chandler stumbled out of the gate and got off to a slow start; averaging just 12 points on 38.9% shooting (with just one 20-point effort) over the Knicks first 18 contests. However, over the rest of Wilson's 09-10 season (a total of 47 games), he averaged 16.5 points (on 50.2% shooting), 5.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists – with 14 20-point games. One of the primary reasons for his turnaround was his focus on taking the ball to the basket as opposed to settling for three-pointers. In his final 47 games, Wil averaged 1.96 three point attempts (0.51 3PM) and 2.64 free throw attempts (2.06 FTM), compared to 3.22 three point attempts (0.89 3PM) and 2.00 free throw attempts (1.78 FTM) in his previous 18 games (hat tip to NBA.com)
Nevertheless, last season ended in disappointing fashion for Chandler, missing the final 15 games of the season due to a sore groin and an ankle injury he battled through for months. The eventual disclosure of his various maladies, and the fact he quietly played through the pain, is further evidence the Knicks have themselves a keeper. Chandler underwent ankle surgery in April and then a sports hernia operation in May, but has been cleared by the training staff and should be ready to participate in full-contact basketball shortly.
Chandler has shown flashes of his tremendous talent, and (when healthy and at the top of his game) was arguably the Knicks most talented and complete player over the past couple of seasons. Now he needs to bring it all to the table on a consistent basis in order for not only himself to take that next step, but also to enable the franchise to start heading in the right direction.
HOOPSWORLD caught up with Chandler out in Las Vegas on Sunday where he is working on his game with the coaching staff and getting a feel for the Knicks summer league squad.
"I came here to work out with the team and to get back in shape. I also came to check out these guys," said Chandler.
He was then asked about the key additions to the Knicks roster, despite not being able to take home the grand prize, LeBron James. Chandler responded: "We didn't get the big fish, but we got a better team than we have had the last couple of years. Adding Amar'e and adding Felton, and a couple of other guys, I think all the guys will fit in great with our system… I think we are definitely in the right direction. We still have a lot of pieces to put in place, but I think this is the year we make the playoffs."
Wilson also commented on the opportunities inherent for existing members of the organization as a result of the Knicks missing out on LeBron or another top-notch free agent. "It gives players that are already on the team the opportunity to work on their game and see if we can come out and open up our game."
With all the aforementioned pieces that the Knicks have brought in this summer, it will be interesting to see how Coach Mike D'Antoni chooses to mix in the new offensive weapons with the current cast. For instance, will Chandler play primarily at shooting guard, or will Danilo Gallinari man the two? Wilson is not a prototypical shooting guard (as evidenced by his three-point stroke, or lack thereof) and has frequently looked far more comfortable at forward – but their may now be a bit of a logjam up front. D'Antoni may end up using Gallo and Wilson interchangeably depending on matchups.
Whether he spends time at guard or forward, Chandler will have an opportunity to make a significant impact next season, and the Knicks are going to need him to do just that.
Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?STORY_ID=16796#ixzz0wI4wj2yk
