Nuggets not concerned with rushing F Wilson Chandler back from sore hip

Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler has been out of action for the last five games with discomfort in his left hip and groin.

With eight games left to play, the team isn't prepared to rush him back and risk further injury. 

“If it’s better for him to be out and get whatever attention he needs to get stronger and better, that’s more important,” Denver coach Brian Shaw said. “It’d be different if we were in the (playoff) hunt, but we’re not."

Chandler, 26, underwent hip surgery two years ago, and returned to play 43 games in 2012-13. He's appeared in 59 games (55 starts) for the Nuggets this season, averaging 14 points and 4.8 rebounds.

“If he’s able to play and he wants to play at some point before the season is over, we’d welcome that," Shaw said. "But if not, I’m not too concerned about him not playing."