Tyson Chandler Rumors: New Jersey Nets Should Avoid Overrated Center

Tyson Chandler is entering free agency at the perfect time. He was a key cog in the Dallas Mavericks' NBA Championship run, proving how important a strong defensive center can be. However, when a player is at peak value like Chandler, teams should steer clear of a potentially disastrous contract.

That includes the New Jersey Nets, who are rumored to have interest and will be looking to make a big splash before the shortened season begins and before making their move to Brooklyn next year.

New Jersey already has Brook Lopez, who averaged more than 20 points per game last season, at center. He's progressing well from arm surgery and should be ready once the season finally begins.

He might not yet be the elite defender Chandler has developed into, but he did average 1.5 blocks for the third straight season. If he can improve his rebound positioning and strength underneath the basket, there's no reason he can't continue to increase his defensive involvement.

The Nets have a bigger need at power forward. David West, Thaddeus Young and Glen Davis are three of the bigger names available at the four spot.

West is especially intriguing because his value might be dampened by an ACL injury. That might allow New Jersey to sign him to a front-loaded contract at a reasonable price, and the lockout should mean he's ready for opening night or pretty close after.

Davis would probably be the second option. Young is a dynamic young player, but it's tough to imagine Philadelphia letting him get away after developing him into such an important part of its rotation.

The tendency for new owners like Mikhail Prokhorov is to spend big to assert young intentions to dominate free agency. In a league with a salary cap, that approach tends to backfire though. The billionaire needs to remain patient and wait for smart, cost-effective options.

Due to his big campaign prior to the lockout, Chandler doesn't fall into that category. New Jersey's best option is looking elsewhere, and Chandler's best choice is staying in Dallas.