OKC Thunder: Five Small Forwards Who Would Fit Well with the Thunder
By Tony Heim
4. Wilson Chandler, Denver Nuggets
It really was too bad that Sam Presti couldn’t find a way to send Wilson Chandler to OKC with the Joffrey Lauvergne trade. After starting the season slow, Chandler has picked his play up to the point that he’s actually statistically outperforming Gay in the month of November.
The 29-year old is averaging 20 points and 8 rebounds a game while shooting 49% from the field. Like the rest of the OKC roster, he is an average three-point shooter who gets most of his points around the rim. But the beauty of this pick is Chandler’s defensive ability.
At 6’8 225 pounds, Chandler has the size/athleticism to play either the three or four. He fits right into the “switch everything” defense the Thunder play and his experience would be beneficial for a young Thunder team.
Oh and the contract? Chandler is locked up for the next three seasons at roughly $12 million per year, a bargain for a starting small forward in this day and age. He’s known as being a high character guy around the league so he’d fit right in the culture of Oklahoma City as well.
Maybe he should be higher on this list?