The Sport Player: Wilson Chandler

Wilson Chandler (born May 10, 1987 in Benton Harbor, Michigan) is an American basketball player currently with the Denver Nuggets. He played college basketball at DePaul University for two years before declaring for the NBA Draft. Chandler is listed at 6 ft 8 in. and 220 lbs. He plays the forward position. Chandler has exceptional leaping ability, finishes well at the basket, and is improving his mid-range jumper.While he was growing up in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Chandler was raised by his grandparents. Chandler started playing basketball at Fairplain East Elementary School (in Benton Harbor, Michigan) when he was in fifth grade. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were his favorite players.During his freshman season at DePaul, he achieved an average of 10.6 points and 7.2 rebounds (ranked 10th in the Big East) per game. He earned Big East Rookie of the Week honors twice that season. He was also named to the Big-East freshman team. Chandler scored 20 or more points 4 times, with a career-high of 26.During his sophomore season, he averaged 14.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. As a sophomore, Chandler was named to the Big-East all second team, and recorded eight double-doubles, while leading the team to a 20-win season. They made it to the quarterfinals of the NIT, but couldn't go on any further. He left the college tenth on DePaul's all-time list for blocked shots with 86.

Wilson Chandler reverse dunk on McGee

In April 2007, Wilson Chandler decided to enter his name in the 2007 NBA Draft after careful consideration. Before entering the NBA draft, Chandler hired Chris Grier as his agent. He had not worked out for many teams prior to the draft, including the New York Knicks. He got injured in Atlanta before he could work out for any other teams. But the Knicks talked to Chandler's agent and told him they were interested in him. Isiah Thomas, the team's general manager, had very good contacts at DePaul University and knew about Chandler from watching him play in college. On June 28, 2007, Chandler was taken 23rd overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the New York KnicksChandler didn't get much playing time until later in the season, when the Knicks officially became out of playoff contention. Then head coach Isiah Thomas began starting him, and giving him heavy minutes. Chandler responded by averaging 7.3 points per game, his stats heavily improving at the end of the season.New head coach Mike D'Antoni started giving Chandler heavy minutes, including starting time. Chandler's stats improved in almost every category. He finished the season averaging 14.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.Although he missed some time due to injury, Chandler's stats improved again, as his shooting percentage improved to 48%, and his scoring average increased to 15.3 points. He also reached a career game high in scoring with 35 points against the Sacramento Kings on February 5, 2010. Wilson Chandler scored 22 points in a season opening win for the Knicks on October 27, 2010. On January 6, 2011, Knicks GM Donnie Walsh indicated his intentions to sign Chandler to a long term deal with the team. On February 22, 2011, Chandler was traded to the Denver Nuggets in a three-way blockbuster deal which also involved Minnesota Timberwolves that brought Carmelo Anthony to New York. Chandler immediately made an impact in his debut for the Nuggets, scoring 16 points, including 8 key fourth quarter points, in a victory over the Boston Celtics.