Former Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler's Chinese team, the Zhejiang Lions, qualified for the Chinese Basketball Association's playoffs with a 114-94 victory over the Beijing Ducks recently. That further delays Chandler's return to the NBA, as the Chinese league has prohibited NBA players from returning for the post-lockout season until the Chinese season has been completed.
Chandler has played like a star in China, averaging 27 points and nearly 12 rebounds a game while leading the Lions. The team has slowed down as the playoffs have neared, though, leading to some speculation that it likely won't be a major contender in the postseason. If the Lions lose in the first round of the playoffs, Chandler could return to the NBA by late February or early March. With the Nuggets missing Danilo Gallinari, his presence would be appreciated.
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