NBA Rumors: Why Wilson Chandler Is Foolish to Return to Denver Nuggets

If Wilson Chandler values playing for a championship, he'll regret signing with the Denver Nuggets. Per a Yahoo Sports report, the former Nuggets swing-man prefers to return to Denver, as opposed to signing with other interested teams. The desire to return to familiar surroundings after playing in China for months is understandable, but the Nuggets are not legitimate contenders in the Western Conference.

They hold a respectable, but unimposing 15-11 record. The Nuggets have lost four in a row, and they are not on the same level as Oklahoma City, San Antonio (especially once Manu Ginobili returns on Saturday) or the Los Angeles Clippers. Most importantly, Chandler's addition doesn't push them past these teams either.

Chandler is a solid swing-man that averaged 12.5 points per game for Denver after being traded from New York in the Carmelo Anthony deal last year. He improves the team, but not in a way that is significant enough to make the Nuggets one of the Western Conference elite.

If Chandler were to entertain offers from teams like the Clippers, Bulls, Heat or Lakers, he would be closer to winning a championship. Each of these teams has a better record than the Nuggets at this time, with the exception of the Lakers, who are 14-11. Even the Lake show is closer to going to the NBA Finals than the Nuggets, and that is primarily because of Kobe Bryant's presence.

The Lakers, Clippers, Bulls and Heat have something the Nuggets' don't, and that is an unquestioned and proven, go-to player down the stretch.

If anyone believes Danilo Gallinari is the on the same level as Bryant, Derrick Rose, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul, then they are sadly mistaken.

Gallo, who is injured now, has become a quality scorer, as he's currently averaging 17 points per game, but there is no evidence he's ready to lead a team in a tough playoff series. I know the Nuggets have six players that average double figures—blah, blah, blah. That type of team almost never wins it all.

The 2003-04 Detroit Pistons are the only team in the last 20 years to win a championship without a 20-point-per-game scorer. Though the Nuggets are a talented unit, they lack a killer on their roster to finish teams.

You could easily point to Gallo's gaffe at the end of a game early this season against the Lakers that cost them a sure win.

It's easy to use this instance as just one example that further proves he isn't ready for that main-man responsibility.

If Chandler is looking for a title opportunity, all of these other teams represent a better shot, and they all have spots for him.

The Bulls still need another perimeter scorer, the Heat could use scoring punch off the bench, the Clippers could possibly start him at the SG with Chauncey Billups likely gone for the season and the Lakers could possibly start him at SF or use him off the bench.

That being said, every player has different priorities, and it's possible winning is not tops on Chandler's list. If it isn't, to each his own, but he'll never make it past the second round of the playoffs with the Nuggets.