Mavericks' Tyson Chandler says he's a better player now than he was in 2011

In 2011, center Tyson Chandler was the defensive anchor of the championship-winning Dallas Mavericks. Three years later, Chandler says he's even better.

"I think I’m better in understanding the game mentally. Physically, I’m in an incredible place," Chandler told KRLD-FM 105.3 FM in response to a question on how he compares to his former self (via the Dallas Morning News). "I haven’t felt this good in a long time. Over the years, you learn different things. The more you are able to play this game, the better you are mentally. "

Following his title run with Dallas in 2011, Chandler signed a four-year deal with the Knicks. He was named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2011-12, and qualified for his only All-Star game the season thereafter.

However, age and injury took its toll on Chandler last year. In a lost season with the Knicks, the 31-year-old battled injury woes and a toxic team environment. His play slipped as a result, and thus was traded back to the Mavericks this offseason.

If Chandler manages to return to his former level of productivity, he would service the Mavericks well as Dallas desperately craves a defensive anchor to offset Dirk Nowitzki's shortcomings. He averaged 8.7 points and 9.6 rebounds per game last season and posted the fourth-highest defensive real-plus minus figure among centers who played over 30 minutes per game last season.