Tyson Chandler: Dallas Mavericks' Missing Piece in The Middle

In July, when the Dallas Mavericks acquired veteran center, Tyson Chandler, few people knew what they were getting.

Everyone hoped that Chandler could recapture the athleticism and power that he displayed in the 2006-2008 seasons for the New Orleans Hornets. But, more recently, Chandler had battled a laundry list of injuries and health issues that had reduced his role to part-time duty for the Charlotte Bobcats.

So far this season, Chandler has been a defensive and rebounding force, a missing piece to the middle of the Mavericks lineup. Averaging 10.1 PPG and 9.3 RPG, he is the post-player that Dallas has badly needed for the last several years.

Instead of relying on Shawn Bradley, Erick Dampier, Desagana Diop, Ryan Hollins, and Brendan Haywood, Coach Rick Carlisle knows that he can expect production from the center position on a nightly basis.  

Over the last six games (where the Mavs are 5-1), Chandler has scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds per night, including an 18/18 game against the Washington Wizards on Monday.

When Dirk Nowitzki returns to full strength (probably after the All-Star break), and the Mavs figure out what they might have in their latest acquisition, Peja Stojakovic, Dallas will be ready to make a stretch run, with Tyson Chandler shutting down the lane and the opposing team's centers.