Portland Trail Blazers veteran target five – Wilson Chandler
Six-foot-eight forward Wilson Chandler played for the Brooklyn Nets in the 2019/20 season. The 33-year-old unfortunately missed the start of the Nets season due to a doping ban, but Chandler has a reputation of being a great teammate so I wouldn’t be concerned about any off-court issues.
As a combo forward, Chandler is more of a bruiser who can defend multiple positions, than a three and d guy.
He still has a nice midrange game though, and shoots the three-ball at 34 percent in his career. Chandler is a good defensive rebounder, and in an offensive-minded lineup I would be comfortable with him playing the four with a little bit of five.
He can’t defend the quicker forwards anymore, but at 235-pounds he can guard most bigger fours, and some fives. He played some minutes at the five for the Nets this season.
Chandler has played 13 seasons in the league, but would accept a minimum deal this season after already taking one to sign for the Nets last season.
As the Blazers move towards maximizing Lillard’s prime, they need valuable defensive players who are positive locker room presences. With potentially one or two veteran spots, any of the above could be in play for the Blazers when free agency opens.