.JPG) |
| Tyson Chandler makes his return to the Dallas Mavericks. Photo credit: Rodney Fisher |
The more things seem to change, the more some things stay the same. The Dallas Mavericks media day was again filled with more than a few new faces for the fourth straight year since winning the championship in 2011, but it was the return of familiar face that seem to light up the room. Returning to Dallas is the seven-foot Tyson Chandler, whom many say was the critical roster addition that won the franchise's first NBA title.
I had a chance to catch up with Tyson to talk about his journey since leaving the Mavs and how in the heck he ended up back here.
For Mavericks fans, it is hard not to think of the possibilities matching Dirk Nowitzki and Tyson Chandler in the backcourt. Even speaking with 10-year veteran point guard Jameer Nelson gives you the feeling that the players feel the same way.
Jameer on Tyson:
"I am definitely looking forward to playing alongside these guys and going to battle with them. Competing against them, you admire how guys work and all that stuff. To be able to see them up close it's kind of unique and kind of cool."
Coach Carlisle has high expectations also:
"...we are going to bust our buts to get as good as possible and get as good a record as we can. We want to be in the playoffs and up there in the playoffs to give ourselves a chance to be in that small handful of teams."
Since leaving Dallas for the New York Knicks, one could argue that Tyson has become a better player with statistics to support it. Throw out his injury plagued season last year, and he has improved in PPG, TRB, and MPG. All good signs for Dallas.
Follow me on Twitter @RodneyFisherNBA
