After a 24-58 season, the New Jersey Nets will have to make some changes heading into 2012. This week, Nets are Scorching takes a closer look at some soon-to-be-available names.
2010-2011 Stats: 72 GP, 49 GS, 33.3 MPG, 15.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.3 BPG, 0.7 SPG, .450 FG %, .350 3P%, .807 FT%, 14.7 PER
Why Billy King Should Be Texting Him Right Now: Wilson Chandler is much, much, better than any of the wing players that are currently on the Nets. Chandler was in the media spotlight during his time in New York and his time in the Big Apple this season was very impressive. While with the Knicks, Chandler averaged over 16 points and a shade under 6 rebounds while producing 109 points per 100 possessions – above the league average.
Chandler has great length and can play some pretty good defense. He’s effective going to the basket and draws enough fouls to justify the occasional poor shot. He’s also only 24 years old and has room to grow. The guy has All-Star potential and could be worth a long-term contract.
Don’t Risk the Fine: His time in Denver was, in a word, unimpressive. Chandler really regressed from the efficient scorer that he was in New York to a traditional possessions-eater. Almost every measurable statistic, advanced or per game, decreased after the trade. One could argue that Chandler was just a product of Mike D’Antoni’s system, rather than the scorer that the Nets would need him to be. He’s also a restricted free agent, so the Nets might have to break the bank in order to get him.
And the Winner is…..Tamper (under certain circumstances): Wilson Chandler is a good player and is definitely a solid rotation guy. However, there are players in this free agent class that play his position that I would prefer. Chandler would by no means be an immediate target for the Nets. Giving Chandler a long-term contract is a definite risk, but one that the Nets should take given the right contract if they can’t get anyone better.
