Tyson Chandler’s Leadership Not Easily Replaceable

Tyson Chandler is an unrestricted free agent, and though the Dallas Mavericks presumably would like to have him back next season at the right price, they’re exploring all of their options with a talented crop of available big men.

They’ve already been linked to DeAndre Jordan and Marc Gasol, and if Chandler’s asking price is deemed to be too steep the Mavericks could be inclined to look into guys like Robin Lopez or Omer Asik.

But while Dallas might be able to supplant the rebounding and interior defense that Chandler brings to the roster, there’s one thing that won’t be so easy to replace should the two part ways this summer. His leadership.

Dirk Nowitzki is the franchise, and Monta Ellis is the leading scorer. But Nowitzki has never been, and will never be, the type of intense, in-your-face locker room leader in the mold of Chandler. Ellis leads by example by gutting out injuries and suiting up almost every night, but he’s not the most vocal leader around and at times displays poor body language.

Marc Gasol would be able to fill the void at least partially, but he’s a long shot for the Mavericks.

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And if the Mavs land DeAndre Jordan who’s holding his hand throughout the season? He certainly hasn’t been the type of leader Chandler is, and Rick Carlisle doesn’t have time to babysit or soothe egos. See: Rajon Rondo.

The Mavericks have some big decisions to make this summer. How much they’re willing to pay a soon-to-be 33-year old center with a history of lower extremity injuries sits squarely at the top of the list. But when pondering the team’s immediate future at the five spot the intangibles that Chandler brings to the table need to be considered.

Next: 5 Things to Know About Marc Gasol

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