Wilson Chandler injury update: Nuggets' swingman to return Sunday

Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler was cleared to return on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors following a prolonged recovery from hip surgery, according to NBA.com.

Chandler played in four of the first eight games for the Nuggets this year after undergoing the surgery in the offseason, but ultimately decided he needed more rest and recovery. The 6'8, 225-pound swingman hasn't played since Nov. 12.

"When I played those couple games at the beginning of the season, I wasn't healthy. I wasn't myself," Chandler told NBA.com. "Now, I'm just getting my strength back and I feel pretty strong. I think now it's just getting my wind back. I know (Sunday) I'll be a little winded. I just have to fight through it."

It's one of three returns from injury that Chandler has faced with Denver. After joining the Nuggets in the midseason as part of the Carmelo Anthony trade of 2011, he battled through foot pain for the rest of the season. Last year, the forward signed in China because of the lockout, and injured his hip after finally returning to the NBA. Then came the quick exit from this regular season.

That means Chandler is outside the rotation looking in. Head coach George Karl told the Denver Post it'll be hard to find the forward minutes, but whether he'll end up being trade bait or otherwise, Chandler immediately gives the Nuggets added depth.