Tyson Chandler facts for kids

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Tyson Chandler

Chandler with the New York Knicks in 2012

Personal information

Born

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

2006–2009

2009–2010

2010–2011

2011–2014

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 was a tall and strong player who played as a center.

Chandler was picked second overall in the 2001 NBA draft right after high school. He was first chosen by the Los Angeles Clippers but was 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. Chandler was also recognized for his great defense, being named to the NBA All-Defensive Team three times. In 2012, he won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award while playing for the New York Knicks. He also won gold medals with the U.S. national team in the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Early Life and High School Basketball
Professional Basketball Career
Playing for Team USA
Coaching Career
Personal Life
Off the Court
Images for kids
See also

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 and started playing basketball at age three. His grandfather, Cleotis, fixed a basket on a tree for him. Tyson 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! Because of his height, other kids sometimes teased him.

For high school, Chandler went to Dominguez High School in Compton, California. This school was famous for its sports. As a freshman, he joined the varsity team and played with future NBA player Tayshaun Prince. Tyson became a huge star in high school. Younger players looked up to him, saying he was like Shaq. He was even featured on the TV show 60 Minutes.

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. Many top universities wanted him to play for them, but Chandler decided to go straight to the 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 would lead their team. In 2003–04, Chandler played only 35 games because of a back injury. In 2005, he signed a big contract with the Bulls.

New Orleans Hornets (2006–2009)

Chandler with the Hornets in March 2009

In 2006, Chandler was traded to the New Orleans Hornets. He was a great rebounder for the Hornets. He led the NBA in offensive rebounds in 2006–07 and 2007–08. He was also one of the best in the league at shooting from the field.

In 2009, the Hornets tried to trade Chandler to the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, the trade was canceled because of a problem with Chandler's toe. He returned to the Hornets but played only 45 games that season due to ankle injuries.

Charlotte Bobcats (2009–2010)

In 2009, Chandler was traded to the Charlotte Bobcats. He played 51 games for them, averaging 6.5 points and 6.3 rebounds. He missed some games because of a foot injury.

Dallas Mavericks (2010–2011)

Chandler with the Mavericks in February 2011

In 2010, Chandler was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. He was a perfect fit for the team, making their defense much stronger. He played alongside stars like Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd. Chandler's tough defense helped the Mavericks reach the 2011 NBA Finals.

In Game 4 of the Finals against the Miami Heat, Chandler had 13 points and 16 rebounds. He grabbed nine offensive rebounds, which are rebounds on the offensive end of the court. The Mavericks won that game and went on to defeat the Heat in six games, giving Chandler his first and only NBA championship.

After winning the championship, the Mavericks decided not to sign Chandler to a long-term contract. This was a surprising move, as many believed the team could have won more titles if they had kept him.

New York Knicks (2011–2014)

Chandler (#6) with the Knicks in March 2013

In 2011, Chandler joined the New York Knicks on a four-year contract. With Chandler in the middle, the Knicks' defense got much better. In 2011–12, he led the league in field-goal percentage, meaning he made a very high percentage 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 was also named to the All-NBA Third Team.

In January 2013, Chandler was chosen as an NBA All-Star for the first time. 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.

Chandler dealt with injuries in the 2013–14 season, playing in only 55 games.

Second Time with Dallas (2014–2015)

In 2014, Chandler was traded back to the Dallas Mavericks. This reunited him with his championship teammates Dirk Nowitzki and J. J. Barea. In the 2014–15 season, Chandler averaged a "double-double" (meaning he had double-digit points and rebounds in a game) with 10.3 points and 11.5 rebounds.

Phoenix Suns (2015–2018)

In 2015, Chandler signed a four-year contract with the Phoenix Suns. In January 2016, he had a season-high 20 rebounds in a game. Two days later, he tied a Suns record with 27 rebounds in a single game. He also became the first Suns player to have two games in a row with 20 or more rebounds.

In December 2016, Chandler had another strong rebounding game with 21 rebounds. He continued to be a top rebounder for the Suns. In January 2018, Chandler reached a big milestone, becoming the 40th player in NBA history to get 10,000 career rebounds. He played 46 games in 2017–18, missing the last month due to a neck injury.

In November 2018, Chandler left the Suns.

Los Angeles Lakers (2018–2019)

On November 6, 2018, Chandler signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Houston Rockets (2019–2020)

In July 2019, Chandler signed with the Houston Rockets. His last NBA game was on August 29, 2020, in a playoff game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Rockets won that game and the series.

Playing for Team USA

Chandler with the US national team in July 2012

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

In 2010, he was part of the U.S. team that won the gold medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship. This was the first time the U.S. had won this championship since 1994.

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

Coaching Career

In the summer of 2021, Tyson Chandler became a player development coach for the Dallas Mavericks. He joined his former teammate, Jason Kidd, who was the head coach. Chandler works specifically with the team's centers, helping them improve their skills and understand the game better.

Personal Life

Tyson Chandler grew up on a farm with his grandfather until he was 10 years old. His sister, Erica, played basketball at Pepperdine University. He has three brothers: Terrell, Tervon, and Ryan.

Chandler married Kimberly in 2005. They have three children.

Off the Court

Outside of basketball, Chandler is interested in business, fashion, and helping others.

In 2005, he and his wife started a charity to help families in New Orleans who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. They helped buy things like TVs, stoves, and refrigerators for homes.

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

He has also invested in real estate and worked with shoe and clothing designers. In 2011, a special book called a "zine" was made about him, featuring photos by Ari Marcopoulos.