Wilson Chandler Makes Wise Move by Signing to Play in China

Wilson Chandler has signed with Zhejiang Guangsha of the Chinese Basketball Association, according to ESPN.

likely sees an ominous sign for his Denver Nuggets and the NBA.  Chandler understands that the NBA probably won't play the 2011-12 season, thus, he's willing to leave his Nuggets to play in China for a year.

Chandler saw Nuggets teammates signing with teams overseas and knew he would be wise to make the same move.  Nuggets guard Ty Lawson signed with a Lithuania.  Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov went to his old team in Russia.  

Chandler saw other Nuggets staying on the court in the NBA's dark time and recognized he should keep competitive basketball close, too.

Granted, Chandler assumes a risk since China requires him to play for an entire year.  If the NBA resumes play for 2011-12, he would miss playing for the Nuggets.  Further, missing time with the Nuggets would mean missing time playing against the best competition in the world.  He would miss time playing with his Nuggets teammates. On the other hand, choosing to play in China would be better than running the risk of missing the chance to play competitive basketball with anyone. 

Chandler takes a calculated risk.

The Chinese market is a burgeoning one.  China is a rapidly growing economy.  Chandler saw an opportunity to play in a fascinating place, and took it, as the late New York politician George Washington Plunkitt would say.

Whether the Chinese game or the European game is better is debatable—each surely has its strong teams and solid players.  That is a discussion for another time.  Playing three games per week in China rather than once a week in Italy, another country he had considered playing, will be helpful.

Chandler appears to have made the best decision for his career.  Whether he misses any NBA playing time, the Nuggets will surely support his decision.  In all likelihood, Chandler will return to the Nuggets a better player.