Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler has not played in a game this season due to a torn labrum in his right hip; however, Chandler told the media he is ahead of schedule in his recovery.
The timetable for a return was roughly six months, but Chandler said earlier this week that if the team were in a position to make the playoffs, he could come back.
“The doctor said I could play,” Chandler told Christopher Dempsey of The Denver Post “Probably if the season was longer (they would let me play), but if we don’t make the playoffs there’s no sense in rushing it.”
In addition to being ahead of schedule, Chandler said there have been no setbacks in his recovery.
Chandler, 28, had just singed a four-year extension with the team prior to the start of the season, knowing he wanted to play in Denver, something not a lot of players want to do .
Wilson has enjoyed his time here and chimed in on how difficult it was to deal with this injury.
“It’s been a super-long road,” said Chandler. “I’ve always had injuries but a whole season like this, it’s the first time. Everything has been great, though. This time around has been different than other injuries I’ve had. No setbacks; everything is feeling great.”
Although he has not played this year, Chandler has been present in the locker room during games and putting in work on the practice courts; meaning, he has seen his team play and progress all season long.
“I think, the guys, especially the young guys, are doing great,” Chandler said. “Haven’t gotten the success we’ve wanted as far as wins, but we’ve been in tough games — winning some of those games. Just being in that situation will be big next year when we have a healthy team and you can depend on your young guys.”
Chandler averaged 13.9 points and a career high 6.1 rebounds per game in 2015.
