(Big C) If Will Chandler does not have any supporters or just people doubting his game and potential, you can stop right there. Chandler has to look no further. One of his biggest supporters is Walt Frazier.  I recently had the honor to interview the legendary Walt “Clyde” Frazier. 

During our conversation he said that Wilson Chandler has the ability to be a star and he “has all the intangibles to be a solid player in this league.” I mentioned many players, from around the league and from the Knicks roster, and it was only when Wilson Chandler’s name came up did I hear such an unwavering vote of confidence

“Chandler I think will definitely be star in this league.” said Walt Frazier. Walt Frazier  included that Chandler is a guy that plays defense and on offense he is a tough guy to guard. He knows how to drive to the hole and does not back down from anyone. His mid-range game is already there.

He can take his man off the dribble. Yes, he needs to work on his left hand but Walt Frazier believes that he has the tools necessary to be one of the league’s stars.

I agree that Chandler can be a special player in this league. I also feel that he needs more shot attempts and to get to the line more. As much as people believe that he has not improved, he has. He has gone from a player that shot 42% the previous year to player that finished the year shooting 47%. Not to mention he has improved his shot selection.

Chandler has been taking less 3 point shots and has been using his mid-range shot more.  He also has been more assertive  driving to the hole. There aren't too many shooting guards that shooting at a high percentage that are not one of best in the league. 

As more players come into the league it is important that players be able to play multiple positions. For Wilson Chandler he can play the shooting guard, small forward, as well as the power forward position. He is, as Frazier likes to say, “versatile.”

If Wilson Chandler continues to work on his game he could be unstoppable. If Chandler gets more shot attempts and stays healthy he could be a guy that teams have to worry about on both ends of the court.  

Frazier went as far as to say Wilson Chandler could put up the numbers to become a star on the Knicks or any other team. “I think he is a 20 points a game player... He has the ability to get 7 rebounds and 1 block a game,” said Frazier.

So while Chandler continues to be underrated by many keep in mind that the rest of the league, including one of the 50 greatest players of all time, feels differently about what Chandler brings to the table. As much as people like to think Chandler should be included in trades for more cap room, I feel Wilson Chandler is not a player you just trade away, but rather a player that can be the piece to a championship team.

Every championship team needs players that score. Every Championship teams needs a guy that can hustle on the defensive end of the court. He is a player that can guard any position from the 1-4 positions and guard those positions well. Last season he was the best defender and one of the many catalysts of the in the 3-2 zone defense.

His man-to-man defense is good playing against the 1,2,3, and 4. However, going into next season he has to elevate his game by improving his handle. We have seen Chandler play the shooting guard position as well as the power forward and be successful.

Chandler at times looks like he has potential to be a solid NBA scorer at the 2,3, or even 4 spot. Off the dribble Wilson Chandler has one of the better first steps in the game. Even though opponents know he rarely goes left and favors going to his right he is still a tough cover.

Now imagine if he had a handle. Not to mention, if he has perfected his spin move. In the previous year he was not efficient as he was this year. This year when he started his spin move, if there is a defender in his path, he would either spin back or make the extra pass. This wasn't the case before.

So what are signs that he can be a force in league:

He already has one of the best first steps in the game.
He is one of the best finishers on the break
He already has a go-to-moves (i.e. his spin move finishing with the runner and his fade way jump shot)
He has solid post up moves
His midrange shot is already developed
He can defend 1-4 positions on the court
He can play three positions on the court.
Most importantly he works hard on his game and has the determination to get better.

At the end of the day Wilson Chandler is a player any team would love to have. Championships are won through the collective efforts of good players. Not just one player who can win it by himself. If the Knicks want to compete for a title anytime in near future you they will need a player like “Ill Will” on Knicks.

Right now Chandler's contract is a steal for all the talent he brings. Even if Wilson Chandler does not become the star Fraizer envisioned there is nothing wrong with being a solid role player in the NBA.

So if  Hall-of-Famer Walt Frazier can see some value in Wilson Chandler why can’t Knicks fans?