Nets power forward Wilson Chandler will be eligible to return to action after Saturday’s game against the Raptors as his 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s drug program will conclude.
However, in the months leading up to his impending return, the veteran wasn’t sure it would ever happen.
In a detailed feature, ESPN’s Malika Andrews spoke to Chandler about his time on the sideline, serving his suspension. Chandler, 32, admitted he considered retirement.
“You start to think about, ‘Is it really worth it?'” Chandler said. “Not because you don’t want to play, but because you’re in a dark place.”
Chandler explained the process of finding out about his suspension and immediately reaching out to management, teammates, family and friends. At times, the well-traveled veteran secluded himself. But the Nets always saw him as part of the team this season and even waived veteran Iman Shumpert this week as Brooklyn needed the roster spot.
Now, Chandler is preparing for his season debut and that’s his focus.
“You know, I’m a little nervous. It’s been a while since I’ve played,” he said.
There is more to report on New York’s basketball teams:
- Speaking of Chandler, Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson is excited about getting back his power forward, Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports. “He has a tremendously simple game and that’s a good thing, and understands the system,” Atkinson said. “He was playing with us today, and it’s like seamless. He’s one of those 4, 3, 2s, doesn’t matter, he can play any of those positions. Last thing is defense. We talk about losing Shump, but we’re gaining a guy that is a really good defender in this league.”
- With the dismissal of head coach David Fizdale, Mike Miller‘s presence as head coach has given Dennis Smith Jr. new life at point guard, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes. Smith, Elfird Payton and Frank Ntilikina are New York’s trio at point guard but Smith will see regular action, Miller said. “Dennis is a downhill player,” Miller said. “He’s good at it. We want guys to see that and continue playing aggressively.’’
- While there have been flashes of brilliance, RJ Barrett‘s rookie season with the Knicks has been somewhat of a roller coaster. But as interim coach Miller put it — if Barrett is going, so are the Knicks, Steve Popper of Newsday writes. “I’m feeling good,” Miller said. “As long as RJ is RJ we can compete.”
More must-reads: