The Houston Rockets have reportedly signed veteran center Tyson Chandler to a 1-year deal according to Marc Stein of the New York Times. Chandler’s agent Jeff Schwartz relayed the news to the the Times.
Tyson Chandler has agreed to a one-year deal with the Houston Rockets, his agent Jeff Scwhartz tells @NYTSports
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 12, 2019
The 36-year-old center played with the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers last season. He averaged 3.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last year in 15.9 minutes per game. Houston head coach Mike D’Antoni is familiar with Chandler and coached him when both of them were with the New York Knicks.
Tyson Chandler has a reputation as a good locker room presence and tenacious rebounder and defender, though age is clearly showing. But having a powerful voice in the locker room is now a bigger emphasis. The signing of Chandler capped off an eventual 24-hours after the monumental trade for Russell Westbrook. The move reunites him and former Thunder teammate James Harden, who reportedly helped orchestrate the acquisition. Having another respected veteran like Chandler to help keep the peace will be beneficial. Chandler likely will not be in as messy of a situation compared to last year’s tumultuous Lakers.
Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni is familiar with Tyson Chandler too. Both of them were together on the New York Knicks now nearly ten years ago. Chandler was bought out by the Suns early into last season and swiftly joined the Lakers, hoping he could help stabilize a roster lacking quality bigs. Los Angeles will not have to worry about having a quality big this year.