Wilson Chandler (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
The 14-year veteran cited spending more time with his family as the reason.
Brooklyn Nets forward Wilson Chandler has opted out of playing in Orlando to spend more time with his family. The 14-year NBA veteran informed the team and ESPN of his decision as he decided to focus on his grandmother – who raised him as a child – and three children.
“As difficult as it will be to not be with my teammates, the health and well-being of my family has to come first,” Chandler told ESPN on Sunday afternoon. “Thank you to the Nets organization for understanding and supporting me in this decision, and I will be watching and rooting for our team in Orlando.”
Chandler signed a one-year deal with the Nets last July after stints with the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers last season and 51 games overall. He was suspended for the first 25 contests of this year after testing positive for a banned substance.
Upon his return, Chandler averaged 5.9 points on 40.4 percent shooting and 4.1 rebounds in 35 games, including three starts. He scored double figures in six contests, including season-highs of 15 points and four long-range shots on January 23rd against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Chandler provided much-needed shooting and wing depth for the Nets as well since they didn’t have Kevin Durant. He played with the second unit and was tasked with defending the opposing team’s best wing player. The Nets lose a valuable 3-and-D wing who could’ve given the team valuable bench production by guarding Giannis Antetokounmpo, Pascal Siakam or Jayson Tatum.
In the wake of Chandler opting out, the Nets will sign forward Justin Anderson for the rest of the season. The Nets are scheduled to resume their season on July 31st against the Orlando Magic at 2:30 p.m. ET.