Will Jonah Bolden edge out Wilson Chandler at some point?
Will Bolden establish a starting job this year if Chandler continues to struggle?
— Sam (@coopercliff09) January 9, 2019
Wilson Chandler doesn’t play the most inspiring basketball, but he’s not awful. He’s a good-enough defender who can switch when needed. He can also hit spot-up threes, attack closeouts and complement the core on both ends.
He also has experience, something Jonah Bolden notably lacks. While Bolden’s energy level makes him popular among fans, his tendency to blow defensive assignments will shorten his leash with Brett Brown. We saw a similar, though not identical situation with Richaun Holmes last season.
Bolden has some bright moments, but he’s more prone to mistakes. At for the regular season, that might persuade Brown to keep rolling with Chandler. Even Mike Muscala is still edging Bolden out for minutes, so the rookie still has considerable improvement left to make before starting.
With all that said, the postseason often yields several curveballs. With his defensive versatility, effort level and occasional three-point shot, there’s a chance Bolden works himself into the postseason rotation.
If that happens and the Sixers get down in a series, Brown might look for a jolt somewhere in the starting lineup. While placing T.J. McConnell into the starting five doesn’t make as much sense as it did last season, perhaps Bolden could assume the role of energizer in important moments.
Barring a last-second revelation, though, expect Chandler to remain the starting power forward through the season’s end. Next season will depend on free agency and who else joins the roster.