Tyson loves the Mavs but the Knicks' cash proved irresistible
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 15 Dec 2011
Tyson Chandler.
While mulling his options as a free agent, Tyson Chandler leaned heavily on staying on as a Maverick in Dallas. But when the New York Knicks offered him an extremely generous four-year deal worth $58 million, the 29-year old center couldn't resist, although it breaks his heart some.
"In this situation, signing back with the Mavs, it just didn't make business sense. Business is business. Sometimes we get upset by it, but in this business, we can't take it personal," Chandler said of his decision to shed his Mavs clothing.
The Mavericks could have matched the Knicks offer, but doing so would leave the team with a mere $5 million cap space for the summer of 2012. In the end, the Mavs opted for financial flexibility and made the gut-wrenching decision to let Chandler go.
"The most difficult thing," Chandler told ESPN.com, "is to make those phone calls to Dirk, Jason Kidd and Jet (Jason Terry) and all the guys I played with. When I say this, I say this from the heart: I truly love those guys and I will forever, because we stood side by side and accomplished the ultimate."
As badly as Tyson Chandler will miss his old running mates, the Mavericks will miss him ten-fold, or more.
And from where I sit, I think the hopes of Dallas defending its NBA title departed with Chandler.
Although Dirk Nowitzki is inarguably the alpha Maverick, making one improbable jumpshot after another on the way to an NBA Finals MVP perfomance, Dallas couldn't have conquered the gruelling postseason without the defensive might that Chandler consistently provided. Defense, after all, wins championships.
Throughout the Nowitzki era, which is entering its 14th year in Dallas, the Mavericks have paraded a plethora of big men in hopes to win the wild, wild West. But none of those big men -- Erick Dampier, Didier Mbenga and DeSagana Diop to name a few -- had provided the toughness and tenacity that Chandler imposed in the paint.
A 10-year pro, who entered the NBA in 2001, Chandler had bounced around the league, running with the Bulls, hitching with the Hornets in New Orleans, and hooking up with the God-awful Bobcats in Charlotte. Given his skill set and vast knowledge of the game, Chandler's career production veered between furstrating and downright underwhelming.
But following last season's trade to Dallas, where he was swimming in a sea of talent, the 7-foot-1, 235-pound Chandler became a beast among men and finally blossomed into a star. Better late than never.
In that amazingly memorable 2011 playoffs run, where Dallas topped the Blazers, the Thunder, the Lakers, and the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, Tyson averaged 8.0. points, 9.2 rebounds, .09 blocks and .06 steals in 21 games. He rarely figured in the Mavs' offense, but when he did, Tyson made it matter, making 58.2 percent of his field goals.
For as long as Dirk Nowitzki has two arms, the Mavericks will always be an NBA threat. But without Tyson Chandler patrolling the middle on defense, I'm not sure if they are title contenders. (HDS)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
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