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 many seasons. His main teams were the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets. He also played for Zhejiang Guangsha in China.

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 6 feet 8 inches tall and could play both forward positions.

Early Life and High School Basketball

Wilson Chandler grew up in Benton Harbor, Michigan. His grandparents raised him there. 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 recognized as one of Michigan's best players. As a junior, he scored about 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds per game. He helped his team, the BHHS Tigers, achieve a great record. He was also named to the first team All-State.

In his senior year, he averaged 24 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks. His team went undefeated in the regular season and was ranked #1 in the state. Chandler was named Mr. Basketball of Michigan in 2005. This award goes to the best high school player in Michigan.

College Basketball Career

Chandler chose to play college basketball at DePaul University in 2004. During his first year, he averaged 10.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. He had a great game against Creighton University, scoring 17 points and getting 8 rebounds. He also grabbed 16 rebounds against Dayton, which was a lot for a freshman.

He was named Big East Rookie of the Week twice. He also made the Big East freshman team. Chandler scored 20 or more points four times, with his highest being 26 points.

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 DePaul win 20 games that season. He left college as one of DePaul's top players for blocked shots.

Professional Basketball Career

New York Knicks (2007–2011)

Chandler (#21) with the Knicks in January 2011

In April 2007, Wilson Chandler decided to enter the NBA draft. The New York Knicks were interested in him. On June 28, 2007, the Knicks picked him 23rd overall in the 2007 NBA draft.

In his first game in November 2007, he scored 8 points. His best game that season was 23 points against the Orlando Magic. He finished his first year averaging 7.3 points per game.

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

In the 2009–10 season, he averaged 15.3 points and 5.4 rebounds.

Chandler (right) in October 2010

In November 2010, Chandler accidentally lost a front tooth during a game. He returned to the game and finished with 27 points. In February 2011, he set a new career-high with 35 points against the Sacramento Kings. He also helped teammate Nate Robinson in the dunk contest. Chandler made an important block in a game against the Atlanta Hawks. The Knicks finished the season with a poor record.

The Knicks made changes to their team. They wanted to add more talented players around Chandler. He was having his best season as a Knick. He also became known as one of the best shot-blocking wing players.

Denver Nuggets (2011)

On February 22, 2011, Chandler was traded to the Denver Nuggets. This was a big trade that also sent Carmelo Anthony to New York. Chandler quickly made an impact with the Nuggets. He scored 16 points in his first game against the Boston Celtics.

The Nuggets team became very strong with Chandler and other new players. They played better without Carmelo Anthony. They earned the fifth spot in the playoffs. In March 2011, he had 6 blocks in a win over the San Antonio Spurs. He also made a key shot to win the game.

Chandler made his first trip to the playoffs. The Nuggets played against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He scored 9 points and had 8 rebounds in his first playoff game. The Nuggets lost in five games.

Playing in China (2011–2012)

In August 2011, while the NBA had a 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 had 22 rebounds. He continued to play well, scoring 28 points in his next game. He also had 42 points in a game against the Shandong Lions. 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 March 2018

After playing in China, Chandler returned to the NBA. He signed a contract with the Denver Nuggets in March 2012. The contract was reportedly worth $37 million over five years. However, his season ended early due to a hip injury. He needed surgery and could not play in the playoffs.

In July 2015, Chandler signed another contract extension with the Nuggets. In November 2015, he had to miss the entire 2015–16 season. This was because he needed surgery on his other hip.

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

Philadelphia 76ers (2018–2019)

On July 6, 2018, Chandler was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. He missed the first nine games of the 2018–19 season due to a hamstring injury. He made his debut in November against the Detroit Pistons.

Los Angeles Clippers (2019)

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

Brooklyn Nets (2019–2020)

On July 8, 2019, Chandler signed with the Brooklyn Nets. He was suspended for 25 games by the NBA. This was because he used a substance that was on the NBA's banned list. He received small doses of the substance from his doctor while treating a leg injury. Chandler returned to play for the Nets in December.

Return to Zhejiang (2020)

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

Career Statistics

NBA Regular Season

NBA Playoffs

Chinese Basketball Association (CBA)

College Statistics

See also

In Spanish: Wilson Chandler para niños

• List of people banned or suspended by the NBA