Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
As the 2015 NBA offseason is underway, rumors are swirling all around pertaining to what teams will do with certain players. One rumor that has heated up is a deal between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Denver Nuggets. According to reports, the Clippers have been exploring the possibility of trading guards Jamal Crawford and C.J. Wilcox to Denver for small forward Wilson Chandler.
Trading for Chandler would be wise for Los Angeles for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the Clippers have a pressing need at the small forward position. Matt Barnes was sent away in the trade for Lance Stephenson, but the Clippers may look to bring him back if the Hornets release him. However, Barnes is 35 years old. Chandler is a much younger option, at 28 years of age, and could slide right into that starting role.
Some may question if Chandler is a consistent starter in the league, but after watching him play this past season, all those doubts should be erased. Chandler averaged 13.9 and 6.1 rebounds per game in 2014 and recorded several monster games, including a 32-point and six-rebound performance against the Clippers back in April.
Chandler brings what the Clippers need: shooting, rebounding and defense. He shot 34.2 percent from behind the arc last season, but he was also a high volume shooter at times. The part of his game that Doc Rivers really should love is his ability to bang on the boards, given his size. Chandler would be a welcomed addition to a frontcourt that already includes Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
This a deal the Clippers need to make, because it will instantly make them better. Even though Crawford is a two-time Sixth Man of the Year, he doesn’t provide much else beyond scoring. Wilcox was the Clippers’ first-round selection in the 2014 NBA Draft, but he played sparingly last season.
Chandler is, without question, an upgrade at the weakest position for the Clippers. Los Angeles may be making a mistake if they pass up on making this deal happen.
Brandon Austin is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @BMoreThanGreat, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
