Nets forward Wilson Chandler will be eligible to return to action for Brooklyn after Saturday’s matchup against the Raptors as his 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s drug program will conclude. However, in the months leading up to his impending return, the veteran wasn’t sure it would ever happen.
In a detailed feature, ESPN’s Malika Andrews spoke to Chandler about his time on the sidelines, serving his suspension. Chandler, 32, admitted that he considered retirement.
“You start to think about, ‘Is it really worth it?'” Chandler said. “Not because you don’t want to play, but because you’re in a dark place.”
Chandler explained the process of finding out about his suspension and immediately reaching out to management, teammates, family and friends. At times, the well-traveled veteran secluded himself. But the Nets always saw him as part of the team and waived veteran Iman Shumpert this week to open up the necessary roster spot. Now, Chandler is preparing for his season debut and that’s his focus.
“You know,” Chandler said, “I’m a little nervous. It’s been a while since I’ve played.”
Check out more notes involving New York’s basketball teams:
- Speaking of Chandler, Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson is excited to use the forward upon his return, Mollie Walker of the New York Post writes. “He has a tremendously simple game and that’s a good thing, and understands the system,” Atkinson said. “He was playing with us today, and it’s like seamless. He’s one of those 4, 3, 2s, doesn’t matter, he can play any of those positions. Last thing is defense. We talk about losing Shump, but we’re gaining a guy that is a really good defender in this league.”
- With the dismissal of Knicks head coach David Fizdale, Mike Miller‘s presence as head coach has given Dennis Smith Jr. new lease on life at point guard, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes. Elfrid Payton and Frank Ntilikina are also in the point guard mix, but Smith will see regular action, Miller said. “Dennis is a downhill player,” Miller said. “He’s good at it. We want guys to see that and continue playing aggressively.’’
- While there have been flashes of brilliance, RJ Barrett‘s rookie season with the Knicks has been something of a roller coaster. But as interim coach Miller put it, if Barrett is going, so are the Knicks, Steve Popper of Newsday writes. “I’m feeling good,” he said. “As long as RJ is RJ we can compete.”
I see Payton as a solid backup. Maybe a starter. But Frank and Dennis are big disappointments. They’ve had plenty of time to show by now. Yes Knicks probably haven’t developed them right. But they have accept this now. IMO they are not made for NY. Time to build their value. And move them by Feb deadline. Or next yr before draft. This draft is deep. Knicks should go all out and get D Russell. He’s 24 and an all star now. He can lead this team and still be a part of rebuilding. Warriors can retool and stay contenders. Curry will be back and so will Klay. You add Portis, Payton, Trier (from area), DSJ, plus future #1. They get deeper and younger. I can’t see them turning it down. We get our ZoG of now and future. A lefty backcourt that is big and scary. Ntili can backup at 21 he still got time. Dotson needs mins too at SG. This is a better team better mix of talent. Plus in this draft we can get a big. Or we can trade into top 5. For real talent. Getting D Angelo changes everything. And he’s played here. The big lights will not freak him out.