Could Tyson Chandler Excel in Smaller Lineups Dominating the League Now?
Could smaller lineups dominating the league now excel with a big man like Tyson Chandler? As the NBA embraces a quicker pace and more format-friendly, agile combinations of players, this idea is worth considering. Chandler’s unique strengths could give any lineup he’s part of a serious edge.
Understanding the Shift in NBA Lineups
Over the last few years, the NBA has undergone what one might term a revolution in playing style. Big men have seemingly been abandoned. Teams now favor smaller lineups filled with the kind of versatile players who can shoot it from way downtown—they can do so, in part, because the 3-point line has been moved back in the international game.
During the 2019-2020 season, squads such as the Houston Rockets deployed arrangements that emphasized speed and spacing rather than size. The Rockets held to the general lack of a traditional center in their lineup, often putting in at forward spots players who could shoot three-pointers and make a beeline for the rim. On those occasions when the Rockets didn’t have the ball, the mismatch opportunities that arose became a very close second to their fast breaks in terms of importance.
As a result, we can’t help but wonder: what does this trend mean for traditional big men like Tyson Chandler? At his peak, Chandler was an incredibly forceful presence in the paint, dominating as a defender not only because he was big and strong but because he was remarkably agile and had great timing. He averaged 2.4 blocks per game in his prime (2009–2014), showcasing his skills as a rim protector. His win as the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2012 highlighted just how impactful he was at that end of the floor.
Could Tyson Chandler Excel in Smaller Lineups Dominating the League Now?
Could smaller lineups that now dominate the league excel with Tyson Chandler in them? The answer isn’t cut and dry, but several factors suggest that both Chandler and the small lineup could do just fine together. First off, Chandler’s agility and rim-protecting prowess translate nicely into the modern game. We’ve seen him in the not-so-distant past guard effectively against guys who are a lot smaller and presumably faster than he is.
Chandler has also displayed a variety of ways to score. Although he is not an outstanding shooter, he excels in getting to the rim and finishing plays. His career field goal percentage of 59 (1,139–1,935) ranks him among the top percentages in NBA history for players who have attempted a similar number of shots. His best work finishes in Type 1 situations.
Furthermore, Chandler is one of the smartest players to ever grace the league. Judging from his defensive schemes and arrangements, I am led to believe that he possesses one of the highest basketball IQs in league history. His understanding of the game on the other end of the floor is such that I can only see it as a plus for him and our potential smaller lineup. His ability to direct traffic and prevent breakdowns becomes crucial when defending against an agile, perimeter-oriented offense.
Statistical Evidence Supporting Chandler’s Fit
Let us take the discussion a step further and look at Chandler’s defensive statistics over the years. Chandler has held an average defensive rating of around 100 during his top seasons, positioning him among the elite defenders of his time. This stat is particularly illuminating when you consider it in the context of smaller lineups, where defensive cohesion and assertiveness are absolutely vital.
Think about the contemporary league trends as well. The 2020–21 season yielded an NBA Finals matchup between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns, two teams that have hitched their wagons to the versatile roster trend and that farmed for floor spacers in the recent past. If we consider use of space, let alone the forays these two teams made into the post season, why can’t we think of DeAndre Ayton as a contemporary center, or in league parlance, a “big” who both does and doesn’t do traditional big things?
Selecting a lineup that includes Chandler might also afford a competitive edge. His ability to set screens would benefit players like the guards, enabling them to get open looks while still permitting a potent post presence. Furthermore, his rebounding skills—he has a career average of 9.4 rebounds per game—position him well to make something of the missed shots in a faster-paced game.
The Role of Adaptability in Today’s NBA
One main characteristic of today’s successful NBA players is adaptability. You must evolve your game to keep up with the changing dynamics. DeAndre has been more than willing to adapt over the years—he enjoys doing so. He has transitioned from a traditional center role to an even more versatile role that is more in line with the game’s current style.
Moreover, the success of smaller lineups underscores an essential development in the value of speed and spacing. Chandler may not be the fastest player in the league, but he’s kept up with this evolution. His defensive skills, coupled with the ability to guard multiple positions, could help teams’ ease some of the concerns that playing against smaller, faster lineups can provoke when it comes to size mismatches.
Conclusion: Future Implications for Tyson Chandler
To wrap everything up, the matter of whether or not Chandler could thrive in the smaller, contemporary NBA still stands. I believe he could. The why of it, briefly: he’s just too dang good at everything that matters in the current league, especially at the defensive end.
Some aspects of Chandler’s game really could put him to work in smaller lineups. His length and shot-blocking ability make him a viable 5 in any lineup, yet he can also defend on the perimeter. Few big men can do both with the effectiveness that Chandler can. When you combine that with his offensive potential, which seems always to be untapped, and you wonder: Why doesn’t he always get more minutes? That may be a testament to his underperformance.
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