New Acquisition Making Early Impact

One of the "heart and soul guys" as coach Rick Carlisle refers to him, Tyson Chandler (left) has been a force around the basket for the Mavericks. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Through the first six games of the 2010-2011 season, there's no question who the starting center for the Dallas Mavericks should be.

It wasn't always this way, especially after now-backup center Brendan Haywood signed his 6-year $55 million contract in the off season, but Tyson Chandler - with his ferocious play in the paint - is by far this teams best option at the position.

"Tyson, since he's been here, has been a factor," Jason Terry said after Monday's game against Boston. "He’s been an impact player for us and [Monday night] was no different. He manned the middle, controlled the rebounds, and he put some monster dunks that gave us momentum."

Fully healthy for the first time in two years, Chandler is one of those players that fights on every possession and makes his presence known around the basket, on both ends of the court.His best game of the season had to be Monday against the Celtics. Chandler scored 12 points (all on layups, dunks and two free throws) and grabbed 12 rebounds for his first double-double in a Mavericks' uniform. Combine that with two blocks, a steal and only one foul, and Mavs coach Rick Carlisle heaped a good amount of praise on his starting center after the contest.

"This guy is becoming one of our heart and soul guys," Carlisle said. "He brings a spirit. He brings a toughness and an energy. He was huge tonight, but he’s been very important for us all season."

When I told Chandler of Carlisle's comments after the game, he couldn't help but be taken aback.

"That’s a big-time compliment. I honestly don’t know what to say," Chandler said. "I try to bring my passion and energy for the game and uplift my teammates in any kind of way I can."

Chandler has averaged 7.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and a team-high 1.5 blocks per game (19th in the NBA). The most impressive stat, and a sign that he is doing nearly all of his damage around the basket: Chandler is shooting 81 percent from the field through six games.

Even Mavs' superstar Dirk Nowitzki had to weigh in on the Mavs off season acquisition.

"We always stick him on the best offensive player on the post," Nowitzki said. ..."[Chandler is a] great player in the locker room, always positive and in the huddles too. We’re glad he’s here."

For a guy who's been on a total of four teams in his nine-year career, I bet he's glad to hear that from the team's franchise player.

The Mavericks take on the Memphis Grizzlies tonight at 7 p.m., and the game can be seen locally on Fox Sports Southwest. Here's quick preview from the DMN.

News and Notes:

• Caron Butler (back spasms) will miss tonight's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Shawn Marion will start in his place at small forward.