T Chandler
Without a doubt Chandler is a liability on the offensive side of the ball. But that is not where his value lies. It is on the defensive side where he will make a serious impact (if he is healthy....and I don't think he really is)
1st, let me say that it is refreshing to be able to have a decent talk about basketball here on the SPORTS board.
the problem with having these 1 dimensional (or more accurately, non-offensive) players is that if you are going to attempt to be competitive with that sort of line-up (hiding the 5th player), then all 4 of your other guys have to be able to get their shots to pick up the slack. otherwise, you're looking at some sluggish scoring nights due to doubles or always facing help on penetration.
the hornets don't have that situation. they've had problems at the 2 (with mo pete and rasual butler filling in), and had that REALLY UGLY rough patch without tyson chandler in the lineup.
if you look at the last team to be successful "hiding" the 5th man on O, it was the detroit pistons and ben wallace. they could afford to try that strategy because all 4 of their other spots could get their own shot:
chauncey billups
richard hamilton
tayshaun prince
rasheed wallace
prior to that, you'd have to go to the chicago bulls with dennis rodman:
ron harper
michael jordan
scottie pippen
luc longley
they could find a player with better offensive skills. Hell, let's play a little game and put DIRK in the center spot. He would be IMMENSLY better on offense than Chandler, but would the team be better off?? Highly unlikely. They'd probably become a joke in the paint like the Mavs are now.
no need to drag this thread down in the gutter. we don't need to descend into euro-slinging.
It is not a center's job to be a highly skilled offensive player. In fact is is the POINT guards job to MAKE the center a more skilled offensive player by getting him the ball in places where he can do the most damage. No, the CENTER's job is to man the MIDDLE of the defense. Something that Chandler does better than 75% of the stiffs that are running around CALLING themselves centers. Which is why the Hornet would've missed him had the trade not been rescinded.
i'll respond in reverse order, starting with your comment that i bolded. i agree with that 100%. there is (and has been) a tremendous dearth of talent at the 5 for more than a decade.
now going back to the center's job or what is not the center's job (as it pertains to tyson chandler). the hornets don't need a highly skilled offensive player. they surely don't need a scoring center. but what they (and almost every other team in the NBA) DO need is a player who is
at least enough of a threat to keep the opposing D honest. does he have a reliable jump hook from 5 or 6 feet? can he hit the 10 to 12 footer faced up? is he a good passer out of the pivot?
without those (and the more you have, the better), the opposing D is free to double up on your perimeter and/or provide constant help on penetrators.
note the hornets have taken a step back from last year in not only offensive productivity, but also on the defensive side too.
bad news for hornets fans.
