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NBA Power Rankings: All 30 Starting Centers

By Shane Young

Oct 30, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Al Jefferson (25) controls the ball during the second quarter as Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Al Jefferson (25) controls the ball during the second quarter as Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 6, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler (6) reacts during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler (6) reacts during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

15.  Tyson Chandler — Dallas Mavericks

Mark Cuban was itching all over for this to happen.  Since Chandler walked in free agency to join Carmelo Anthony in the Big Apple, Cuban has wanted the defensive doyen back in navy blue and white.  And, next to his partner-in-crime, Dirk Nowtizki.

Phil Jackson had no problem making it happen, as Chandler is the definition of someone you really wouldn’t desire in the triangle offense.  Jackson is also keeping in mind the monetary side of things, and he wants to clear as much space as possible to lure massive names to Madison Square Garden next summer.

There’s a slight problem for Dallas, though.

Chandler is 13 years into his career, and has NEVER played a full season, whether it’s the 82-game schedule, or the lockout shortened season.  Constant nagging injuries have kept him out of 47 games since he entered New York, and he just he’s about to hit his 32nd birthday.  The odds aren’t in his favor to be around for 65 games or so for Dallas, but maybe that’s the risk Cuban and Rick Carlisle are willing to take, even after getting rid of Shawn Marion, DeJuan Blair, and Samuel Dalembert.

Chandler’s most trendy skill has been his convenient tip-outs to the backcourt on offensive rebounds, and that’s something Dallas desperately will need if they hope to stay balanced in the Southwest Division.  That division is owned by Satan, by the way.  Just take a gander at it.

The Mavericks placed 22nd in the league in offensive rebounding through 2013-14, grabbing 10.2 per game.  2011 Chandler isn’t putting on that jersey, but one that’s overly glad to be back where he belongs sure will.