Guest Post: Tyson Chandler 2014-2015 Fantasy Outlook

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Justin Becker of FantasyBasketballMoneyLeagues.com. You can follow him on twitter @NBAandNFLInfo or on the Fantasy Basketball Money Leagues Google+ Page, and for more NBA basketball news and rumors visit Fantasy Basketball Money Leagues – a fantasy basketball blog.

In a trade this offseason with the New York Knicks, the Dallas Mavericks have re-acquired center Tyson Chandler. In a six-player-trade, the Mavericks lost Jose Calderon, Samuel Dalembert, Shane Larkin, Wayne Ellington and the 34th and 51st picks in this year’s draft. Along with Chandler, they also added point guard Raymond Felton.

The Mavericks made re-acquiring Chandler a top priority this offseason. After their first-round playoff loss to the San Antonio Spurs, they knew they needed a more reliable defensive minded center next to Dirk Nowitzki.

After their 2011 championship run where they defeated the Miami Heat, Dallas lost several key players to the free agency. One of those players was Chandler. They have sincerely missed him and his defensive presence. Now back in Dallas, both parties couldn’t be happier to make another run for a championship this season.

Before getting into his projections for this upcoming season, let’s first take a look back. This will help us see how he has played recently and how he has contributed to fantasy basketball teams in the past. It will also help us point out his strengths and weaknesses, which will aid fantasy owners come draft day.

Chandler’s Recent Past

First, let’s look at the one season he spent in Dallas. During the 2010-2011 season, Chandler played and started 74 games for the Mavericks. He averaged 27.8 minutes per game as a starter and finished the season averaging 10.1 points per game, 9.4 rebounds per game, 0.4 assists per game, 1.1 blocks per game and 0.5 steals per game. He shot 65 percent from the floor and 73 percent from the free throw line.

Chandler was given a larger role during the playoffs of that season. While winning the championship, Chandler averaged 32.4 minutes per game; he averaged 8.0 points per game, 9.2 rebounds per game, 0.9 blocks per game and 0.6 steals per game. Also, he shot 58 percent from the floor and 68 percent from the free throw line.

After leaving the Mavs to play in New York, he continued to give his team valuable minutes as a starter. Throughout the 2011-2012 season, his first year with the Knicks, he played and started in 62 games in the lockout shortened season, while averaging 33.2 minutes per game. He averaged 11.3 points per game, 9.9 rebounds per game, 0.9 assists per game, 1.4 blocks per game and 0.9 steals per game. He shot 68 percent from the floor and hit 69 percent of his shots from the charity stripe.

In the following season with the Knicks, he played and started 66 games while averaging 32.8 minutes per game, finishing the season averaging 10.4 points per game, 10.7 rebounds per game, 0.9 assists per game, 1.1 blocks per game and 0.6 steals per game. He also finished the season shooting 64 percent from the floor and 69 percent from the free-throw line. That season was the third season in his career where he averaged more than ten rebounds per game and was the second season in his career averaging a double-double.

Last season, also spent with the New York Knicks, Chandler missed part of the season due to injury. He only played and started 55 games that season, averaging 30.2 minutes per game. At the end of the season, he was averaging 8.7 points per game, 9.6 rebounds per game, 1.1 assists per game, 1.1 blocks per game and 0.7 steals per game. He shot 59 percent from the floor and only 63 percent from the charity stripe. Last season was his first season since his 2009-2010 campaign, with the Charlotte Bobcats, of scoring less than ten points per game.

Strengths

His obvious strength, which is why the Mavericks wanted him back so badly, is his defense. Although most of it just has to do with his presence on defense, he puts up solid numbers there too. Here’s a cool statistic that shows how consistent he is on defense: In his 13-year career, Chandler has never averaged less than 1.1 blocks per game. He consistently brings fantasy owners blocks, while also bringing them occasional steals.

Another strength of Chandler is his field goal percentage. If you’re in a league that keeps track of this, then he would be a good pick. Although he doesn’t score at a high rate, he does know how to choose his shots carefully. This is evident in his career 58 percent field goal percentage. Not to mention, during the 2011-2012 season, Chandler hit 68 percent of his shots from the floor. This can give your fantasy team a nice boost in the field goal percentage category.

The last strength that I will mention is another obvious one, but will bring the most value to your fantasy team. This is his ability to rebound. He has done it his whole career and most likely won’t stop now. His career average of 9.1 rebounds per game is good evidence of that. He is capable of averaging a double-double with points and rebounds. With that being said, if you are looking for a nice rebound-contributor, look no further than Tyson Chandler.

2014-2015 Season Predictions

After taking a look at Chandler’s strengths, it’s evident that you will most likely choose him for his ability to rebound and bring you defensive stats. I mean, that’s why I would draft him to my team. For starters, I think Chandler is on the right team again. The Mavs are still a clear playoff team that has the ability to chase for the title. That is enough motivation for Chandler to play well, especially after playing for the struggling Knicks the past three years.

Now to the predictions. First, I believe Chandler will average a double-double next season. He is completely capable of it. I can also see him keeping his amazing field goal percentage and presence on the defensive end. With that being said, I see him averaging 11 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, one assist per game, 1.5 blocks per game and 0.7 steals per game. In addition, I believe he will shoot somewhere around 58 percent from the floor and shoot around 70 percent from the free throw line.