The Portland Trail Blazers are currently at the bottom of the NBA’s defensive ranking, and one of their biggest issues is their inability to protect the inside.
They desperately need help on the inside if they plan on competing in the playoffs, and they have their sights set on Phoenix Suns center, Tyson Chandler.
There is no telling how much this would help them, but it’s worth a try before the season is lost.
According to Marc Stein of ESPN, Chandler is the guy they feel will make an impact defensively.
“Word is Portland, of late, has been tracking Tyson Chandler as a potential trade target, since the Phoenix center could certainly help the Blazers with their defensive issues.
Chandler, 34, has two seasons left on his contract after this season valued at $26.5 million, but it remains to be seen how willing the Suns are to part with their interior anchor after Chandler encouraged the club to resist outside trade interest last summer.”
Mason Plumlee, Meyers Leonard, and Ed Davis currently man the center position for the team but have not been much of a terror to opposing offenses.
Would Chandler be much of an upgrade at this point of his career?
The 34-year old center is still serviceable defensively, but not as active or athletic when he took home the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2012.
Chandler may be an upgrade starting for the Blazers, but not by much. It’s up to the Blazers to decide if making a move like this is worth the trouble.
Coach Terry Stotts is familiar with Chandler having coached him from the assistant side, but there is a matter of age difference.
Considering the Blazers are building a young core, the team needs someone who can grow with Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum.
This is all dependent on if the Suns are even willing to part with Chandler whom they love.
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