Wilson Chandler facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Wilson Chandler

Chandler with the Denver Nuggets in 2018
Personal information
Born	(1987-05-10) May 10, 1987 (age 38) Benton Harbor, Michigan, U.S.
High school	Benton Harbor (Benton Harbor, Michigan)
Listed height	6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
Listed weight	235 lb (107 kg)
Career information
College	DePaul (2005–2007)
NBA Draft	2007 / Round: 1 / Pick: 23rd overall
Selected by the New York Knicks
Pro career	2007–2020
Career history
2007–2011	New York Knicks
2011	Denver Nuggets
2011–2012	Zhejiang Lions
2012–2018	Denver Nuggets
2018–2019	Philadelphia 76ers
2019	Los Angeles Clippers
2019–2020	Brooklyn Nets
2020	Zhejiang Guangsha Lions
Career highlights and awards
Second-team All-Big East (2007) Big East All-Rookie Team (2006) Third-team Parade All-American (2005) Mr. Basketball of Michigan (2005)

Wilson Jamall Chandler (born May 10, 1987) is an American former professional basketball player. He played in the NBA for 13 seasons. Most of his time was with the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets. He also played for Zhejiang Guangsha in China during the 2011 NBA lockout.

Before joining the NBA, he played college basketball for the DePaul Blue Demons. He was picked in the first round of the 2007 NBA draft by the Knicks. Chandler was known for being able to play both forward positions.

Early Life and High School Basketball

Wilson Chandler grew up in Benton Harbor, Michigan. His grandparents raised him. He started playing basketball in fifth grade at Fairplain East Elementary School. Later, he went to Benton Harbor High School.

In high school, he was named All-State as a sophomore and junior. As a junior, he scored 22.4 points and grabbed 12 rebounds per game. He helped his team, the BHHS Tigers, achieve a 19–4 record. He was also on the first team All-State by the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan.

During his senior year, Chandler averaged 24 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks. That year, his team went undefeated in the regular season. They were ranked #1 in the state. Chandler was named Mr. Basketball of Michigan in 2005.

College Career at DePaul

Chandler chose to play for DePaul University in late 2004. He had also considered other big schools.

In his first year at DePaul, he averaged 10.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. He had a great game on November 30, 2005, scoring 17 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. On December 10, 2005, he got 16 rebounds against Dayton. This was the most by a freshman since 1999. He was named Big East Rookie of the Week twice. He also made the Big East freshman team.

In his second year, he averaged 14.7 points and 6.9 rebounds. He was named to the Big East all-second team. He helped his team win 20 games and reach the NIT quarterfinals. He left college as one of DePaul's top shot blockers.

Professional Basketball Journey

Playing for the New York Knicks (2007–2011)

Chandler (#21) playing for the Knicks in 2011

In April 2007, Chandler decided to join the NBA draft. The New York Knicks picked him 23rd overall on June 28, 2007. In his first game, he scored 8 points. His best game that season was 23 points against the Orlando Magic. He finished his first season averaging 7.3 points per game.

In the 2008–09 season, Chandler's role grew. He played in all 82 games, averaging 14.4 points and 5.4 rebounds. He scored a career-high 32 points against the Toronto Raptors. He also played in the 2009 Rookie Challenge.

For the 2009–10 season, he averaged 15.3 points. In November 2010, his front tooth was accidentally knocked out during a game. He still returned to finish with 27 points. On February 9, 2010, he set a new career-high with 35 points. He also helped teammate Nate Robinson in the dunk contest. The Knicks ended the season with a poor record.

In January 2011, the Knicks planned to sign Chandler to a long-term deal. He was having his best season. He became a strong shot-blocking player. His best game was a 31-point effort against the San Antonio Spurs.

Time with the Denver Nuggets (2011)

On February 22, 2011, Chandler was traded to the Denver Nuggets. This was part of a big trade that sent Carmelo Anthony to New York. Chandler quickly made an impact, scoring 16 points in his first game. The Nuggets became a strong team with new players. They ended up with a 50–32 record and made the playoffs.

On March 23, 2011, he played through a sprained ankle. He made a key shot with 29.3 seconds left to win the game. The Nuggets played against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs. Chandler struggled in the playoffs, and the Nuggets lost in five games.

Playing in China (2011–2012)

In August 2011, during an NBA lockout, Chandler signed with the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions in China. He played under former NBA coach Jim Cleamons. Chandler said he saw it as a "great experience."

In his first game in China, he scored 43 points and grabbed 22 rebounds. He continued to play well, scoring 28 points and 42 points in other games. With Chandler's help, the Lions reached the playoffs. However, he did not play in the playoffs, and his team lost.

Return to Denver (2012–2018)

Chandler with the Nuggets in 2018

After his time in China, Chandler returned to the NBA. On March 18, 2012, he signed a 5-year contract with the Denver Nuggets. However, his season ended quickly after only 8 games. He needed surgery for a hip injury.

On July 11, 2015, Chandler signed another contract extension with the Nuggets. But in November 2015, he had to miss the entire 2015–16 season. He needed surgery on his other hip.

On March 7, 2017, Chandler scored a career-high 36 points. This helped the Nuggets win against the Sacramento Kings.

Short Stays with Other Teams (2018–2020)

On July 6, 2018, Chandler was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. He missed the first nine games due to a hamstring injury. He made his debut on November 3.

On February 6, 2019, Chandler was traded again. He joined the Los Angeles Clippers as part of a multi-player trade.

On July 8, 2019, Chandler signed with the Brooklyn Nets. He was suspended by the NBA for 25 games. He returned to play for the Nets on December 15.

Back to China (2020)

In September 2020, it was reported that Chandler had returned to the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions in China.

Career Statistics

NBA

Regular season

Playoffs

CBA

College

See also

In Spanish: Wilson Chandler para niños