Denver Nuggets final report card: Wilson Chandler

 

Over the next few weeks, the BSN Nuggets staff will review the Nuggets season, player-by-player. We’ll look at their performance from 2015-16 and forecast what type of impact they’ll make next season.

Reflecting on 2015-16

Wilson Chandler missed the entire 2015-16 season due to a torn labrum in his hip suffered in training camp. He signed a contract extension with the Nuggets this past July and was slated to play a major role for the team.

The Nuggets sorely missed his 3-point shooting, as the team would finish in the bottom five in the league in that category. Chandler had perhaps his best all-around season in 2014-15, posting 13.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game over 78 games.

It was the most he’s played in a season since 2008-09 and he carried that momentum into the summer with eyes on a strong campaign. Chandler was now a team leader, expected to carry the offensive load at times and his versatility had coach Michael Malone excited about the various ways he could use the swingman. The injury was a cruel twist of fate.

Chandler was also missed on the defensive end where he could have helped Gary Harris by switching onto longer shooting guards when the second-year player struggled at times defending perimeter players with length.The injury was a cruel twist of fate.

The injury was a cruel twist of fate.

“It’s like ‘Man, it’s always something.’ Definitely heartbreaking, especially after the summer I’ve had,” Chandler told the Denver Post in November.

It’s not the first time Chandler’s hips have forced him to the sideline. Yet he’s determined to make another return to the court after a successful surgery.

Appreciate all the kind thoughts & prayers. Surgery was successful. Looking forward to the recovery process, coming back better & stronger!

— Wilson Chandler (@wilsonchandler) November 16, 2015

Final report card grade: Incomplete

Looking ahead to 2016-17

Next season a fully healthy Chandler figures to be a key asset on this improving Nuggets roster.

It will be interesting to see how he meshes on the court with Mudiay and his presence should help the young point guard immensely, giving him another floor spacer and reliable scorer.

Chandler also loves to get out in transition and is efficient on the break. Nuggets fans were robbed of the opportunity to see him run the floor with Mudiay, as he did so many times two years ago with Ty Lawson.

His ability to attack the basket with power or finesse should take pressure off of Denver’s young ballhandlers.

The Nuggets are the hook for $36 million over the next three years with Chandler, a bargain under the rising cap as long as he can stay healthy. Chandler has a chance to be the biggest offseason acquisition Denver makes this summer and his play will go a long way to determining if the Nuggets can truly contend for a playoff spot next season.