Tyson Chandler Returns to MSG, Appreciated by Dallas

When the Knicks acquired Tyson Chandler in 2011 expectations were high in the Big Apple for a Knicks squad that was mired in mediocrity but pushing to build a successful roster.

They had procured Carmelo Anthony, arguably the league’s best pure scorer, during the previous season, and had offensively-gifted Amar’e Stoudemire, still healthy and productive. Adding a defensive stalwart like Chandler was supposed to push the Knicks over the top into contender status.

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Though the Knicks got out to a poor 18-24 record in the lockout-shortened season under Mike D’Antoni, Chandler was everything he was supposed to be. When Mike Woodson took the reigns as head coach Chandler was even better, helping the Knicks wrap up the season on an 18-6 run heading into postseason play. New York finished with the fifth best defensive rating in the league, and Chandler was rewarded with the 2012 Defensive Player of the Year award.

The Knicks were beaten in the first round of the playoffs by the Miami Heat, but the future looked bright and most expected New York to take another step forward.

And the Knicks did take a step forward during the 2012-13 season. They finished with a 54-28 record and a division title despite Stoudemire’s body beginning to fail him, and Chandler averaged a double-double en route to his first and only all-star game appearance. The Knicks again were a formidable defensive team, giving up the seventh fewest points per game, in large part due to Chandler’s interior presence.

Apr 11, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) goes to the basket and scores against New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler (6) at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Knicks beat the Boston Celtics 4-2 in the first round of the playoffs, their first series win since the 1999-00 season, but lost to the Indiana Pacers in the conference semi-finals. Still, the season was mostly considered a success.

Then things spiraled out of control for the Knicks. Stoudemire was unable to get and remain healthy, the team couldn’t score, and Chandler missed time due to a fractured fibula. His absence proved how valuable he was to the team, as the Knicks went 7-16 without him. But his return didn’t lead to a turnaround for the Knicks, as they finished with a 37-45 record and missed the playoffs.

The losing ways weren’t Chandler’s fault, but the team was a mess and fingers had to be pointed somewhere. Mike Woodson took a lot of heat from the fans and the media, and was eventually fired by new team president Phil Jackson, but, surprisingly, it was Chandler who took the brunt of the blame from Jackson for the obvious locker room issues.

When the Knicks traded Chandler back to Dallas Jackson offered up some intriguing comments on the motives for the move.

Per the New York Post:

"“To do that,” the Knicks president said, “we felt [it was] important to bring in some new personnel, and start with some character guys that we felt can carry this forward.“Watching them play, I saw guys that looked at each other like, ‘You didn’t back me up, you weren’t here when I needed help.’ There just wasn’t the right combination or feel [where] it felt like everybody was in sync all the time.”"

Umm…what? The implication that Tyson Chandler isn’t a “character guy” is astounding to say the least, and not something one would expect to hear from a guy who knows basketball the way Jackson does.

But, as they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and Chandler is certainly treasured in Dallas.

He’s having a spectacular year for the Mavericks, averaging 10.7 points and 11.5 rebounds as Dallas has jumped out to a 17-8 record. He’s leading the league in total rebounds, offensive rebounds, and offensive rating. He’s fifth in rebounds per game, an area in which Dallas struggles, is third in field goal percentage, second in offensive rebound percentage, and third in true shooting percentage.

Nov 26, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) dunks the ball against the New York Knicks during overtime at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Knicks 109-102 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Most importantly he’s a leader in the locker room. That attribute may have been unappreciated or unnoticed in New York, but not in Dallas.

As Dirk Nowitzki told the Dallas Morning News, “His leadership is so amazing. He’s always the first guy to talk, to get on the guys on and off the floor. He addresses the team at halftime, before the games. That’s great. And on the court, it’s still the same as a couple years ago. He’s active defensively, pushing guys, finishing above the rim. It’s good to see that.”

Chandler makes his return to Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, and expect him to display the type of on-court production Nowitzki was talking about. He did it against the Knicks earlier this season, scoring 17 points and grabbing 25 rebounds in Dallas as the Mavericks won in overtime, 109-102. He’ll be even more amped up this time around, eager to give Jackson a first-hand taste of the type of “character” he brings to a team.