Tyson Chandler's Return Could Spark Big Second Half in New Orleans

Hampered by injuries, trade talks, lineup adjustments, and the weight of raised expectations, the '08-09 New Orleans Hornets have paled in comparison to last year's surprise contenders.

With a current record of 34-22, the Hornets need just four more losses to equal their total for all of last season.

That being said, look for big things coming from the Big Easy in the second half of the season.

Despite early struggles, the Hornets—currently tied for sixth place in ultra-competitive Western Conference standings—are within reach of homecourt advantage position.  They stand just three games back of third-place Denver and five games back of second-place San Antonio.  

More importantly, with the trade deadline passed and Tyson Chandler back, the Hornets are poised to make a run.

How did Chandler's absence affect the team? First, a note on his most unusual season.

Chandler's season took a turn for the worse when he was sidelined with an ankle injury in late January. He watched his team struggle to play .500 ball (Chris Paul and David West both suffered injuries during the same stretch) for a month and set his tentative return date around the trade deadline.

Chandler was dealt to Oklahoma City, but in a most bizarre incident at the trade deadline, he proceeded to fail a team physical.  Skeptical of Chandler's long term health, Thunder brass rescinded the trade and Chandler returned to New Orleans, much to the chagrin of Hornets executives who were concerned with salary cap space and luxury tax considerations for next season.  

Betrayed as he may have felt by the Hornets' front office, Chandler came back to New Orleans healthy, and with class. He adamantly insisted that he was happy to be back with the team.    

Also happy he was back were Hornets fans, who showered Chandler in applause upon his return to the Big Easy Wednesday night.

The fans should be thrilled, as Chandler adds a familiar dimension to the Hornets attack.  Last year, the Hornets' offense consisted, almost exclusively, of pick-and-rolls between Paul and Chandler.  And why shouldn't it?

Every time Chandler sets a ball screen for Paul, defenses are forced to make a difficult choice.  Hedge too hard on Paul, and he's crafty enough to keep his dribble alive before lobbing it to Chandler for a dunk. Focus on Chandler rolling to the basket and you leave Paul, the NBA's leader in assists, an open lane to shoot or penetrate and kick.  Attempt to rotate weak-side defenders to stop Chandler's roll and you'll leave sharpshooters like Peja Stojakovic open in the corner.  

Simply put by Paul,  it's "Pick your poison."

The Hornets offense is not complicated, just crudely effective. But it needs all the pieces to work.  

Without the threat of the lob to Chandler, defenses can key in on Paul and force him into more difficult shots.  Weak-side defenders don't have to leave their men as often to stop CP3's penetration.

The "lob factor," as Paul calls it, makes a world of difference.   

New Orleans is 2-0 since Chandler's return, and the big man has notched double-doubles in both games.  On Monday, with the game on the line in Sacramento, Paul connected with Chandler on three alley-oops that helped seal a victory for the Hornets.

With a favorable schedule on the horizon, New Orleans faces an opportunity to build some momentum in the second half.  With trade talks dead, each member of the team can settle into his permanent role.

In addition, the team's core—Paul, West, Chandler, Stojakovic—understands this may be their final shot together.  Financially, the Hornets are looking to unload in the offseason. Almost certainly, one of the key players will move on.   

Now the Hornets, no longer stung by injuries or controversy, can begin playing like the championship contenders we all thought they would be.