Remember the name: Wilson Chandler.
He's nowhere to be found on most mock drafts of the first round because there's little known about the 6-8 sophomore from DePaul other than he has an agent who knows how to work the media.
You've read elsewhere about him already. The Chicago Daily Herald even went as far as saying, according to a source, that Chandler canceled his workout with the Bulls because of an ankle injury and also because the Knicks have assured him they plan to take him at No. 23. One report said that Chandler has worked out for every team picking from 15 to 35.
Curiously, the Knicks never had him in for a workout. At least not that we've been told.
Could this so-called Knicks interest just be a ploy to scare the teams picking ahead of the Knicks to take him in the first round because he might not be there in the second round?
That's not to say Chandler isn't the latest of Isiah's surprise late first-round picks. And you can't overlook the DePaul connection with Isiah's buddy, Mark Aguirre, who happens to be one of the most famous DePaul alumns this side of George Mikan.
The knock on Chandler is his character, not that he's known as a bad kid. It's his consistency and drive that is questioned by scouts. Be sure that Aguirre has the 411 on this stuff, his coachability and, of course, his ridiculous hops and ability to rebound and help defend as well as actually shoot the basketball. You have to believe - or, at least, hope - Aguirre used his DePaul connections to get the scoop on this kid.
Most scouting reports on Chandler (there aren't many because it was a surprise that the sophomore declared for the draft) aren't complete, but just about all point to weaknesses such as free throw and long-range shooting. So he'd fit the mold of a late-first round pick by Thomas: long, athletic tweeners who aren't gifted offensively. Renaldo Balkman is the same. Trevor Ariza, as well.
Thomas wants to take a guy he can work with. Who won't be ready for immediate minutes. It took Balkman about a half a season to figure out how he could best contribute. If the Knicks can reach Chandler's work ethic, he, too, could develop into someone who contributes later in the year.
For Thomas, it's a calculated risk. Of course that depends on who is still on the board when the No. 23 pick comes up.
Then again, it didn't seem to matter when Marcus Williams was there last year.
* * *
Any concerns about Rashard Lewis' availability come July 1 - it never really was in doubt, but another publication tried to suggest it before having to retract it - have proven to be unfounded. Lewis' agent, Tony Dutt, did follow the proper procedure to trigger the opt-out of Lewis' contract with the Seattle Sonics. The team, the NBA players union and Dutt issued statements on Tuesday confirming Lewis' status as a free agent.
A story from the Tacoma News Tribune's Frank Hughes about the situation can be read here
Lewis is still very much at the top of the list of potential off-season moves by the Knicks, who could only get him in a sign-and-trade deal. Lewis will get some offers from teams who can sign him as a free agent, but he knows he can get more money in a sign-and-trade. It's up to the Knicks to agree to a number, then the Sonics have to agree to a trade.
Expect the Lakers, Heat and Cavaliers, among others, to also show an interest.
Comments (12)
I don't know too much about Chandler, because as you state Alan, he was under the radar all year. However, its makes little sense for the Knicks to draft yet another Sf/slasher type who can't really shoot from the outside. Besides Balkman, Lee fits that bill to a degree as does Jeffries.
Also, I hope that Isiah has not locked himself in again (as he did last year) because you never know who might slip.
One further note, Isiah generally drafts high energy types (Ariza, Lee, Robinson, Balkman) and Chandler supposedly has a poor motor.
Alan
Great job with this blog. You're providing more NYK info leading up to this draft than any other NY source I can find. Hats off to you...
AMEN, i'd liek to second that !
David,
I agree if he can shoot we don't need another athletic type. Unless he's 6'11" and can block shots and grab rebounds.
And I haven't seen many Seattle games but every time I watch them, I've notice Rashard Lewis can or has the ability to do it all (shoot, block shots, play dee and grab rebounds).
Isiah's problem last year was getting Balkman then getting Jefferies. Practically the same player.
If Isiah picks Chandlor and if he can shoot, then Isiah should leave Rashard Lewis alone, because then he's done it again. They sound like the same player.
Henry, Chandler's rep is that he's a "slasher." That's NBA speak for athletic, goes to the hole well, but can't shoot from beyond 12 feet. The Knicks need to be focused on a strong defender at PF, a good shooting 2 guard or a classic, pass first, good defending point guard. They do not need a SF slasher.
And Alan, I agree, your blog has quickly become the best place for real Knick news either in print or on the web.
David,
I agree, I meant if he CAN'T shoot we don't need him. And like I also wrote unless he's 6'11", can block shots and get rebounds, then I can use that type of athlete.
But I don't agree with the defenses point guard (Collins), or 2 guards (Crawford, Q, Francis, Nate and Marburry). No more 2 guards please, unless they're planning on moving some.
Defense Power Forward or spot up 3 to free up Curry, which could be R Lewis. If not Lewis look towards Europe/South America in the draft. Every playoff team this year had at least one Foreigner and the champs had at least 5 (Duncan, Ginobelli, Parker, Oberto, and the other back up center).
I read an article about Jared Jordan of PoTown's Marist on ESPN.com and although he is not athletic, he is a "magician" with the basketball. But, I do not think we should draft him so early b/c he could be a smart player but could be completely out "Everythinged" on the court. But, we can not forget those guys like him who made it (Skiles, Scotty Brooks, Legler, Kerr) I think if he does not get drafted (if teams are scared of his lack of athletic ability), we should pick him up for the summer league, see who he does running the show, and sign him as a FA for this year by either letting him sit and learn or by putting him into the DLeague (which would mean we would have to dump some type of contract or two for one trades. Francis anyone? Oh, Thanks Cleveland). If we did that, we really would not lose much. He has been given comparisons of Stockton-esque player, but if he fails, it is not a big gamble. It would be a gamble if we drafted him at 23 though. In regards to who we should draft, I agree with almost everybody that we need a D-minded PF or a lights out SG, like Tiago Splitter or Morris Almond (Hubert comparison?) But all in all, we should see if we could get Rashard Lewis for Craw, Nate, Frye, and this years 23 pick.
The person who fits the Knick needs the most is obviously Sean Williams of BC. Isiah needs to worry solely on bringing in this athletic shot blocking freak. If he wasn't suspended for his drug problem, he would be a top 10, maybe 5 pick easily. He averaged 5.0 blocks per game in 16 games and has a 7-5 wingspan. He's working out with John Lucas in Houston and many scouts say they can see Amare in him. The Knicks were 29th in the league last year in blocked shots and he is the immediate solution. Add him, and get Rashard without giving up the pick to get Williams or Crawford and the Knicks are set. How we land Lewis without Crawford? I'm still working on that...see my columns on www.realgm.com. Thanks, Jason M. Williams
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