Wilson Chandler must start producing better numbers.
Wilson Chandler has been a question mark for the Denver Nuggets this season. After finally getting his wish to be in the starting rotation, he has yet to live up to the expectations.
Do not forget, he made a big deal about his role last year and even hinted at wanting out of Denver for the second year in a row. However, he was having a career year.
Last season, Chandler averaged a career high in points per game while showcasing decent defensive production at times. When Gallinari was traded, many fans thought Denver would be fine at the three spot. Some thought the production Chandler showcased last year would carry over into this year. However, this has not been the case at all.
Chandler only has a handful of games where he has finished in double figures and has been too inefficient. He also has looked to passive at times when he has had a wide open look and it has hurt the Nuggets.
Normally, I would not be this critical of Chandler. But, when you make a big deal about coming off the bench, finally get your wish to move in as a starter, and cease your production, it is extremely frustrating. Not to mention, it is not fair to other players who are potentially capable of starting at the small forward spot.
Granted, Chandler is literally the fifth offensive option in the standard starting lineup. With Millsap out for a while now, we could see him start to pick up the slack a bit. If he does, it will help Denver maintain their efficiency as they wait for their star power forward to return. He will be extremely key in this upcoming stretch.
Next: Expect Statement jerseys soon
If Chandler does not do better, he doesn’t deserve his starting spot at the three anymore.