Dallas Mavericks: Is Tyson Chandler Better Now Than 2011?

By Danny Webster | Sep 13, 2014

Mar 8, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler (6) reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. New York won 107-97. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Is it even remotely possible for Tyson Chandler to believe he’s a better player with the Dallas Mavericks than he was in 2011?

According to the former Defensive Player of the Year, that may actually be the case.

The re-acquired Chandler, a key catalyst on the Mavs’ championship team back in 2011, met with Jeff “Skin” Wade and Ben Rogers on Wednesday on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, and the question was brought up on whether he’s better as a player now than when he was when he won the title in Dallas in 2011.

Via transcript from the Dallas Morning News:

"“I think I’m better in understanding the game mentally. Physically, I’m in an incredible place. I haven’t felt this good in a long time. Over the years you learn different things. The more you are able to play this game, the better you are mentally. I’m excited to bring that to the table here again. I love the makeup of the team. We’ve been here for the last couple of weeks getting after it, playing pick up [games] and ran the hills yesterday as a team. We’ve been training as a team. People don’t know, but this is pretty early to have every player here already. I just like the makeup of this team. I think we’ve got great young guys. It’s a nice mix up of veterans and young players.”"

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That first sentence sticks out a lot. For Tyson to say he better understands the game from a mental aspect is amazing. Seeing how, taking

Dirk Nowitzki

and

Jason Kidd

out of the equation, Chandler was the smartest player on that team. Yes, it’s a stretch to bypass the IQ of two of the greatest Mavericks of all time, but his intelligence on the defensive end is unmatched.

Feeling great physically shouldn’t come as a shock. He’s back in Dallas, which means he’s not in New York, which means he’ll be winning more often. Just kidding. Sort of.

But the fact that Chandler feels great physically speaks volumes. Pushing aside the lockout year of 2011-12 with the New York Knicks, the last two seasons have seen Chandler dealing with nagging injuries, playing less than 70 games the last two years. In the one year with Dallas, he played 74 games.

Take that with how you wish.

Add that with the construction of this roster for 2014-15, and the situation seems like it’s a perfect fit for Chandler. Compared to the 2011 roster, this Mavs team may be leaps and bounds more talented, which bodes well. The addition of Chandler Parsons gives Dallas a legit threat on both sides of the floor on the perimeter.

Monta Ellis will probably thrive the most playing with Tyson in terms of the pick-and-roll game. Not only will he get easier lanes to the basket, but Ellis’ passing ability will make him a lethal playmaker in all aspects of his game.

Then there’s that Dirk guy who’s not too shabby. Dirk’s getting older. He’s not going to be as light-footed defensively and make plays. That was evident during the playoffs last season. But if anything, Dirk’s game may be even better with Tyson back on his side in the front court.

If Tyson is truly better than he was three years ago, there aren’t enough endless possibilities in the world to think how this Mavs team will play this upcoming season.

One more month, folks.

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