Tyson Chandler facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Tyson Chandler

Chandler with the New York Knicks in 2012
Personal information
Born	(1982-10-02) October 2, 1982 (age 42) Hanford, California, U.S.
High school	Dominguez (Compton, California)
Listed height	7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
Listed weight	235 lb (107 kg)
Career information
NBA Draft	2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
Selected by the Los Angeles Clippers
Pro career	2001–2020
Career history
2001–2006	Chicago Bulls
2006–2009	New Orleans Hornets
2009–2010	Charlotte Bobcats
2010–2011	Dallas Mavericks
2011–2014	New York Knicks
2014–2015	Dallas Mavericks
2015–2018	Phoenix Suns
2018–2019	Los Angeles Lakers
2019–2020	Houston Rockets
Career highlights and awards
NBA champion (2011) NBA All-Star (2013) All-NBA Third Team (2012) NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2012) NBA All-Defensive First Team (2013) 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2011, 2012) First-team Parade All-American (2001) Second-team Parade All-American (2000) McDonald's All-American (2001) 2× California Mr. Basketball (2000, 2001)
Career NBA statistics
Points	9,509 (8.2 ppg)
Rebounds	10,467 (9.0 rpg)
Blocks	1,335 (1.2 bpg)
Medals Men's basketball Representing the  United States Olympic Games Gold 2012 London Team FIBA World Championship Gold 2010 Turkey Team FIBA Americas Championship Gold 2007 Las Vegas

Tyson Cleotis Chandler (born October 2, 1982) is an American former professional basketball player and coach. He played as a center.

Chandler was picked second overall in the 2001 NBA draft right after high school by the Los Angeles Clippers. He was then immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls. He also played for teams like the New Orleans Hornets, Charlotte Bobcats, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers. As the starting center for the Dallas Mavericks, he helped them win their first NBA championship in 2011.

Tyson Chandler was chosen for the NBA All-Defensive Team three times. In 2012, while playing for the New York Knicks, he won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. He also won gold medals with the U.S. national team at the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Early Life and High School Basketball

Tyson Cleotis Chandler was born on October 2, 1982, in Hanford, California. He grew up on a family farm there. Tyson started playing basketball at age three on a hoop his grandfather, Cleotis, put on a tree. He also helped with farm work like milking cows.

When he was nine, Tyson and his mother moved to San Bernardino, California. He was already almost six feet tall! Kids sometimes teased him because of his height.

Becoming a High School Star

As a freshman, Chandler went to Dominguez High School in Compton, California. This school was famous for its sports, producing many basketball players. Tyson joined the varsity team in his first year and played with future NBA player Tayshaun Prince.

Chandler quickly became a huge star in high school. Younger players like DeMar DeRozan watched him play and said he was "like Shaq". He was featured on the TV show 60 Minutes as a freshman. He also earned honors from Parade Magazine and USA Today and was chosen for the McDonald's High School All-America Team.

In his junior year, Chandler averaged 20 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 blocks per game. In his senior year, he led Dominguez to a state championship. He averaged 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 blocks. Even though many colleges wanted him, Chandler decided to go straight to the 2001 NBA draft after high school.

Professional Basketball Career

Chicago Bulls (2001–2006)

The Los Angeles Clippers picked Chandler second overall in the 2001 NBA draft. But he was immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls for another player, Elton Brand. The Bulls hoped Chandler and Eddy Curry, another young player, would help them rebuild their team.

Chandler played fewer games in the 2003–04 season due to a back injury. In 2005, he signed a new contract with the Bulls. However, in 2006, the Bulls decided to trade Chandler to get Ben Wallace.

New Orleans Hornets (2006–2009)

Chandler with the Hornets in March 2009

On July 14, 2006, Chandler was traded to the New Orleans Hornets. He became known for his rebounding. He led the NBA in offensive rebounds in the 2006–07 and 2007–08 seasons. He also ranked high in total rebounds per game.

In February 2009, the Hornets tried to trade Chandler to the Oklahoma City Thunder. But the Thunder found an issue with his left big toe, so the trade was canceled. Chandler returned to the Hornets. He played only 45 games that season because of ankle injuries.

Charlotte Bobcats (2009–2010)

On July 28, 2009, Chandler was traded to the Charlotte Bobcats. He played one season with the Bobcats. He averaged 6.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. He missed 29 games due to a foot injury.

Dallas Mavericks (2010–2011): NBA Champion!

Chandler with the Mavericks in February 2011

On July 13, 2010, Chandler was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. This was a great move for him and the team! Chandler became a key player for the Mavericks' defense. He brought toughness and strong defense to a team that already had stars like Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd.

His strong defense helped the Mavericks reach the 2011 NBA Finals. They played against the Miami Heat. In Game 4, Chandler had 13 points and 16 rebounds, helping the Mavericks win a close game. The Mavericks went on to defeat the Heat in six games, and Chandler won his first and only NBA championship!

After this amazing season, the Mavericks decided not to sign Chandler to a long-term contract. This was a surprise to many fans.

New York Knicks (2011–2014)

Chandler (#6) with the Knicks in March 2013

On December 10, 2011, Chandler joined the New York Knicks. With Chandler in the middle, the Knicks' defense got much better. In the 2011–12 season, he led the league in field-goal percentage, making 67.9% of his shots.

In May 2012, he was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He was the first Knicks player ever to win this award! He also made the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.

In January 2013, Chandler was chosen as an NBA All-Star for the first time in his career. In February, he had a career-high 28 rebounds in a game against the Golden State Warriors. In May 2013, he was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team.

The 2013–14 season was tough for Chandler due to injuries, including a knee injury. He played in only 55 games that season.

Second Time with Dallas (2014–2015)

On June 25, 2014, Chandler was traded back to the Dallas Mavericks. This meant he reunited with his championship teammates Dirk Nowitzki and J. J. Barea. In the 2014–15 season, Chandler averaged 10.3 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. He continued to be one of the best rebounders and defenders in the league.

Phoenix Suns (2015–2018)

On July 9, 2015, Chandler signed a four-year contract with the Phoenix Suns. He continued to show his rebounding skills. On January 23, 2016, he tied a Suns record with 27 rebounds in a game! He also set a team record with 13 offensive rebounds in that same game.

In the 2016–17 season, Chandler had several games with 20 or more rebounds. He became the first Suns player since Charles Barkley in 1993–94 to have three or more 20-rebound games in a season. He also set a team record by grabbing 15 or more rebounds in seven games in a row.

During the 2017–18 season, Chandler dealt with a neck injury. On January 14, 2018, he reached a big milestone: 10,000 career rebounds! This made him one of only 40 players in NBA history to achieve this.

In November 2018, Chandler and the Suns agreed to end his contract early.

Los Angeles Lakers (2018–2019)

On November 6, 2018, Chandler signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. He played alongside LeBron James for a season.

Houston Rockets (2019–2020)

On July 19, 2019, Chandler signed with the Houston Rockets. His last NBA game was on August 29, 2020, in the playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He played for less than a minute in that game. The Rockets won the game and the series.

Playing for Team USA

Chandler with the US national team in July 2012

Tyson Chandler was a key player for the U.S. national team.

He helped the U.S. team win the gold medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey. This was the first world championship for the USA since 1994.

Chandler was also chosen to play for the U.S. team at the 2012 London Summer Olympics. He was the team's starting center. The U.S. team won all their games and took home the gold medal, beating Spain in the final.

Life After Playing

In the summer of 2021, Tyson Chandler became a player development coach for the Dallas Mavericks. This means he helps younger players improve their skills.

Personal Life

Tyson Chandler grew up on a farm with his grandfather until he was 10. He has a sister, Erica, who played college basketball, and three brothers.

Tyson married his wife Kimberly in 2005. They have three children. Tyson and Kimberly also started a charity to help families in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. They helped buy important household items for families who lost everything.

In 2016, Chandler joined UNICEF Kid Power. This program helps fight global malnutrition and teaches kids about helping others.

NBA Career Statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

See also

In Spanish: Tyson Chandler para niños