Chandler holds the Knicks defense together because he makes up for so many mistakes with his ability to help and protect the rim. He also serves as a primary rebounder and screener as well.
They've struggled without Chandler, who suffered a fracture in his right fibula, was expected to be out 4-6 weeks with the injury. He has been out for five weeks at this point, but he could be back with the team before New Year's.
If Chandler does sit out 2014, he will miss 11 more games. The Knicks have hit hard time already, and they could implode by that point. Truth is, the Knicks will make the playoffs because, as you've heard, the East is pretty bad. But things could certainly get worse before they get better, and their recent 41-point home loss to the Celtics serves as an indication of that.
Focusing on the positive, Chandler did go through all practice drills, except those involving contact, the team announced. That's the good thing. The Knicks could use more of those.
