The Denver Nuggets were overjoyed to get forward Wilson Chandler back healthy for the 2016-17 season, and already, just a handful of games in, he has been one of the most important and impactful players on the Nuggets roster.
“The great thing about Wilson is that you can play him at the two, three or four,” head coach Michael Malone said on Wednesday.
He’s not wrong.
Chandler is one of the most versatile players in the NBA, with the ability to guard virtually anybody at a high level. His defense, alongside his 14.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest, make him a tough matchup for opposing teams, and coach’s dream.
“He’s a security blanket,” Malone said. “Wilson is a hell of a player, and he has been playing at a very high level for us. Happy he is healthy.”
He showed in Wednesday night’s win just how valuable he really is. Chandler managed to tally a season-high 28 points, 11 rebounds and five assists off the bench.
For Wilson, one of the most humble players in the league, it was just another day at the office.
“I just wanted to go out and play hard initially before the game started,” Chandler said after the team’s win. “I just wanted to give us a chance to win and play hard on both ends of the floor.”
There is no doubting Wilson’s talent, but injuries have been a deciding factor in his career. In the win Wednesday night, he played 35 minutes, which is a steep amount for a bench player that has been ravaged by injuries as recently as this year.
But whether it’s five minutes or 48, Chandler says he’s ready to go at all times.
“Yeah, of course,” Chandler said in reference to if he can play extended minutes. “Off the court and throughout the weeks and days off, I’ve got to take care of myself and my body. It shouldn’t be a problem at all.”
Chandler has a big role with this Nuggets team, and it is safe to say that without Wilson Chandler, the Nuggs are a completely different squad.