Tyson Chandler Ready For Potential Playoff Minutes

Tyson Chandler admits he is unlikely to see the floor in the 2020 playoffs. The Rockets have all-but-officially excised centers from their rotation as they fully embrace their small-ball lineup, jettisoning both Clint Capela and backup Isaiah Hartenstein in the last sixth months. But in the off chance Chandler is called upon in Orlando, he should be ready to contribute.

"[Chandler] has looked very good," Rockets general manager said in a Zoom call on Friday. "I don’t think, given the miles on his wheels, that he’s going to have a huge role in the playoffs. But I do think if [head coach Mike D'Antoni] called on him, he’d be ready. He was schooling some of the young bucks the last couple days."

The 37-year-old center was kept on the Rockets' roster heading into Orlando despite sitting out 22 of Houston's last 23 games before the COVID-19 hiatus. Chandler discussed his role in Orlando on Wednesday. 

"My presence, especially with this team, is a lot in the locker room," Chandler said. "It’s a lot of the day-to-day things, and in practice."

D'Antoni called Chandler the "ultimate professional" on Wednesday. Houston's head coach said the veteran center is in shape and active in practice, bringing valuable experience and professionalism in a unique situation. As the only Rockets' player with a championship ring–Chandler won the 2011 Finals with Dallas–Chandler will be leaned upon for advice in Orlando.

"He’s the only guy, I think, that’s out there who has won a ring," D'Antoni said. "We rely on him to talk us through things. … He’s a valuable piece, whether he’s in the rotation or not, or if it’s an emergency." 

2019-20 marks Chandler's 19th NBA season, potentially his last as his playing time continues to wane. But Chandler's career could end on a high note in Orlando. Regardless of his minutes count, Chandler will be relied on as a key member of the Rockets for the next few months, guiding Houston either on or off the floor.