Tyson Chandler injury: Center participates in non-contact drills at Knicks practice

Having missed the last 15 games while recovering from a fractured leg, New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler returned to practice on Monday and went through all non-contact drills, according to the team.

The good news couldn't have come at a better time for the team in the aftermath of its worst loss of the season, a 114-73 bludgeoning by the Boston Celtics.

Chandler played in the first four games of the year and on Sunday was said to return in the next 10 days. His presence in practice is certainly a step forward, and the 5-14 Knicks will be anxiously awaiting his services. Chandler was averaging 7.3 points, nine rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game this season, and his absence due to the leg injury has led to even more defensive blunders by an already short-handed -- and small at that -- New York roster.

The Knicks are third to last in the NBA by allowing opponents to score 108 points per 100 possessions, according to Basketball-Reference. Chandler's eventual return could go a long way in working out of that statistical imperfection and of course, help the Knicks find their way to more victories.

More from SB Nation NBA:

• The Hook: A tale of two Rudy Gay trades

• Kobe Bryant returns: "It was really weird"

• NBA power rankings: Pacers roll while Heat sink

• Sunday Shootaround: Celtics focus only on future

• Kawhi Leonard’s leap to stardom put on hold