The Dallas Mavericks hoped the Tyson Chandler they traded for this past summer would be the same big man who played such a huge role in their 2011 title run.

Turns out the Mavs acquired an upgraded version.

"He's a better basketball player now," coach Rick Carlisle said. "He's more skilled, he shoots the ball better, he's more experienced."

At 32, Tyson Chandler says he has returned to the Mavericks as a more confident player. Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports

The stats through the first quarter of the 15-5 Mavs' season certainly support that claim.

Chandler in 2010-11: 10.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, 65.4 field goal percentage in 27.8 minutes per game.

Chandler this season: 11.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 69.2 field goal percentage in 29.7 minutes per game.

"I've grown as a player," said Chandler, who has averaged 14.2 points and 16.4 rebounds during Dallas' five-game winning streak. "I've grown mentally, understanding the game better. I have more confidence in myself and what I'm capable of doing out there. I think that's the biggest thing."

Some questioned whether Chandler, who missed six weeks with a fractured fibula with the New York Knicks last season and admittedly struggled by his standards after his return, would regain the explosiveness that is so essential to his game. His answer might as well have exclamation points.

Nobody has more dunks this season than Chandler, who has thrown down 56, adding a critical element of interior floor spacing to the Mavs' league-best offense. DeMarcus Cousins, Andre Drummond and DeAndre Jordan are the only players in the league who rank above Chandler in rebounding. And Chandler's rim protection is the primary reason Dallas is tied with the Golden State Warriors for the lowest field goal percentage allowed (53.6) within five feet of the basket.

Mavs owner Mark Cuban actually argues that Chandler is more athletic at 32 years old than he was at 28. Remember that Chandler was considered damaged goods when the Mavs originally acquired him in a salary-dump deal from Charlotte, having missed 68 games over the previous two seasons due to toe and ankle problems.

"There were times that I don't think he trusted his body when he was with us [in 2010-11], so his hard rolls weren't as hard as they are now," Cuban said. "We had [Jason] Kidd. If anybody could throw a lob, it was J. Kidd, and we saw some of them, but I don't think he rolled as hard because I don't think he had as much confidence in his body as he does now. I think he's definitely improved."

There are a few reasons for Chandler's increased confidence. He's healthy, first and foremost, and trusts the Mavs' medical and conditioning staffs to help him maximize his chances of remaining healthy. He's much more accomplished than when he first joined the Mavs, earning a championship ring, Defensive Player of the Year award and All-Star bid over the past four years. And Chandler has a comfort level with the Mavs' schemes that took him time to develop during his first stint in Dallas.

Chandler knows exactly what the Mavs need from him on both ends of the floor and the nuances necessary to get his jobs done. It's a long list: Protect the rim, rebound relentlessly, serve as the equivalent of a middle linebacker with his defensive communication, set hard screens, roll hard to the basket, catch and finish around/above the rim, hold teammates accountable, set a tone of toughness.

The big man is filling those many roles better than ever.