10/28/2009 - 15:20
Tyson Ready for Fresh Start
by Ward Lucas

Tonight begins a new-era for the Charlotte Bobcats and new center Tyson Chandler.

Before boarding a plane to Boston for tonight’s season opener with the Boston Celtics, Tyson proclaimed himself ready to go, as quoted on Bobcats.com:

“I’m really excited. I felt good today for the first time, as far as my spring moving and running. My legs felt like they were under me, so I’m excited for the first game,” said Chandler. “I wouldn’t say my wind is back, but my legs are feeling like they’re under me mechanically. I can get them under me. Before I was kind of favoring, so I couldn’t run as hard as I wanted to.”

Coach Larry Brown told the website that he isn’t ready to give Tyson his full compliment of minutes just yet, but he plans to let No. 6 give it a go tonight and see what happens.

“I just want to do as much as possible to get my team prepared,” said Chandler. “As long as you compete out there, the rest will take care of itself.”

Tyson talked about his status before heading to Boston:

STEPPING STONE
After months of grueling workouts and rehab, last week Tyson took the biggest step yet in his return to the hardwood.

TC returned to game action last Tuesday, contributing four points and two rebounds in the Bobcats’ 94-87 preseason victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Three days later, he came back even stronger with eight points and six boards as the Bobcats lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in their final preseason game.

Tyson was glad to be back in the game and even surprised himself with his own performance.

“It was better than I expected,” The Big Cat said.

Currently the priority for both Tyson and the ‘Cats is to get his ankle healthy., no matter how long that takes. Tyson was 10 days ahead of schedule in his return to practice, but has been carefully monitored as he participates in limited activities. Though he knows it’s in his best interest, that hasn’t stopped No. 6 from getting antsy:

“I’m always impatient. I always want results yesterday,” Chandler said. “Obviously, I’m itchy to be out there. But from where I was to when I first came here to now it’s been huge steps. That’s the positive.”

With Ty’s long-term health in mind, coach Larry Brown said he isn’t sure how much playing time TC will get in the early part of the season.

“We have to be real careful with him,” Brown said. “Right now it’s more a strength issue. A lot depends on the next few days.”

In what he’s seen from Tyson so far, Brown is most impressed with Chandler’s defensive skills and ability to switch off and guard smaller players away from the basket, particularly in pick-and-roll situations.

“If your big guys have mobility and length and quickness, it’s really important,” Brown said.

Having Ty available tonight would be very helpful for Charlotte with Raja Bell and Flip Murray nursing injuries that could keep them on the bench.

TC has demonstrated great offensive abilities with the Hornets, but brings to the table exceptional rebounding abilities as well, which the Bobcats will need in the matchup with the Celtics.

VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
Acquiring TC was the Bobcats’ biggest offseason acquisition. Gerald Wallace, the last original Bobcat, has welcomed Ty to the fold:

“For me, I want us to get better,” Wallace said. “With the acquisition of Tyson and the other guys we have here and the other guys we already had here, I think we’re in a great situation.”

The Bobcats and the Celtics tip-off tonight at 7:30 p.m. EST. All the action can be seen in the Charlotte area on FSCR.

RELATED STORIES
Bobcats ready to tip things off (Bobcats.com, October 27, 2009)
http://www.bobcatsbreak.com/?p=714
Last original Bobcat ready to make the playoffs (Gaston Gazette, October 27, 2009)
http://www.gastongazette.com/sports/team-39561-playoffs-bobcat.html
Chandler’s recovery ahead of schedule (Charlotte Observer, October 26, 2009)
http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/basketball/story/154222.html
Tyson Chandler’s Healing Rapidly (SlamOnline.com, October 23, 2009)
http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2009/10/tyson-chandlers-healing-rap...