Phil Chenier facts for kids
Chenier in 2011
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| No. 45, 30, 15 | |
|---|---|
| Shooting guard | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | October 30, 1950 Berkeley, California, U.S. |
| High school | Berkeley (Berkeley, California) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Listed weight | 180 lb (82 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | California (1969–1971) |
| NBA Draft | 1971 / Round: Hardship / Pick: 4th overall |
| Selected by the Baltimore Bullets | |
| Pro career | 1971–1981 |
| Career history | |
| 1971–1979 | Baltimore / Capital / Washington Bullets |
| 1979–1980 | Indiana Pacers |
| 1981 | Golden State Warriors |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Career statistics | |
| Points | 9,931 (17.2 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 2,063 (3.6 rpg) |
| Assists | 1,742 (3.0 apg) |
Philip Chenier (born October 30, 1950) is a former American professional basketball player. He played as a shooting guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for ten seasons. After his playing career, he became a well-known television sports broadcaster for the NBA's Washington Wizards.
Contents
Early Life and College Basketball
Phil Chenier grew up in Berkeley, California. He went to Berkeley High School. Later, he played college basketball for the California Golden Bears team in his hometown.
Playing in the NBA
Joining the Baltimore Bullets
In 1971, Phil Chenier was chosen fourth in the NBA Hardship Draft. He was picked by the Baltimore Bullets. He played for the Bullets for eight seasons, from 1971 to 1979.
Moving to Washington
After his second season, in 1973, the team moved. It changed from the Baltimore Bullets to the Capital Bullets. Later, they became the Washington Bullets. Phil Chenier was one of the best shooting guards in the NBA during his first six seasons.
Injury and Championship Win
In the 1977–78 season, Phil Chenier had a back injury. He needed surgery, which ended his season early. Even without him, the Bullets went on to win the NBA championship that year. Kevin Grevey took over as the shooting guard.
Later Career and Retirement
After his injury, Chenier was not the same player. He returned late the next season but could not get his starting spot back. The Bullets released him after the 1978–79 season. He then played briefly for the Indiana Pacers and Golden State Warriors. Phil Chenier retired from basketball after the 1980–81 season.
Career Highlights and Awards
Phil Chenier was chosen for the NBA All-Rookie Team in 1972. He averaged 17.2 points per game during his career. He was also named to three NBA All-Star teams. In 1975, he finished 8th in the voting for the NBA Most Valuable Player award.
In 2017, the Washington Wizards announced they would retire Chenier's number 45 jersey. This means no other player on the team will wear that number again. His jersey was officially retired on March 23, 2018. As of 2025, he is one of only five players to have their number retired by the Wizards.
Broadcasting Career
After his playing days, Phil Chenier started a new career in television. He began sports broadcasting in 1985. He worked as a color analyst for the Washington Bullets and Washington Wizards games. He did this from 1987 to 2017. His final broadcasting partner was play-by-play commentator Steve Buckhantz for NBC Sports Washington.
Personal Life
Phil Chenier lives in Columbia, Maryland, with his wife, Gerry Chenier. They have two daughters, one son, and grandchildren.
See also
In Spanish: Phil Chenier para niños
