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Suns' Tyson Chandler: Will open season as starting center

Suns coach Earl Watson said Monday that Chandler would open the season in a starting role, Paul Coro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Analysis:

Though Alex Len is a superior offensive threat in the lower block, he was never viewed as a serious contender to open the season as the starting center ahead of Chandler, a 16-year veteran who still profiles as a dependable defensive anchor at the back end and an able finisher on the pick-and-roll. While he'll retain starting duties, Chandler received just 24.5 minutes per game last season -- his fewest since 2003-04 -- and showed diminished effectiveness as a shot blocker, swatting away only 0.7 shots per game. The 34-year-old was still a beast on the glass, but his declining rim protection and issues with staying healthy in recent seasons may relegate him to a timeshare at center with Len, rendering him a lower-end starter at his position in the fantasy realm.

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