Share
Tyson Chandler played 16 minutes in the Charlotte Bobcats' preseason victory against Milwaukee on Tuesday night and was "gassed" when it was over.
It was a sweet feeling.
"It was better than I expected," the 7-foot-1 center said of his return to court.
Chandler is ahead of schedule in his recovery from spring surgery to repair ankle and toe problems that kept him out of 37 games with the New Orleans Hornets last season.
Depending on how things go in a 10:30 a.m. exhibition against Memphis today at Time Warner Cable Arena and over the next few days, Chandler is hopeful of being close to ready when the Bobcats open the regular season Wednesday in Cleveland.
Chandler is a critical component to the Bobcats' success. He was acquired in a trade for Emeka Okafor with the expectation that Chandler will provide a more versatile defender and a more athletic presence.
To be what the Bobcats hope he can be, Chandler must first be healthy. He returned to limited practice 10 days earlier than expected, but his workload has been carefully monitored.
He said the exhibition was the first time he's run up and down the court more than three times in six months. He has just recently begun practicing on consecutive days.
"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."
Coach Larry Brown said it's too early for him to know how much he can use Chandler early in 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."
With the Bobcats already dealing with injury problems that could shelve Raja Bell and Flip Murray, having Chandler to open the season would be a bonus.
Brown likes the defensive possibilities Chandler provides, knowing he can 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.
Briefly
Combo guard Murray (stress reaction in his left shin) says he's feeling much better, but has not been cleared to play in the season opener Wednesday in Boston. Murray said he can walk without pain and can do some limited shooting. He'll meet with a doctor next week to see whether he'll be ready for the opener.
The Bobcats are hurting at shooting guard, with Bell (torn ligament in his left wrist) out at least a couple of weeks, and possibly far longer if he opts for surgery. Brown said he talked with Bell on Wednesday night and said the guard was feeling better. Bell will get a second opinion and decide if he wants to try to play with the injury or have surgery.
The Bobcats waived guards Dontell Jefferson and Antonio Anderson, reducing the roster to 14.
Rick Bonnell contributed
