Tyson Chandler Q&A
December 5, 2006
Hornets center Tyson Chandler entered the 2006-07 campaign with a primary objective of turning around his career after an admittedly dismal performance with Chicago last season. In the early going, the results speak for themselves.
The 7-foot-1 Chandler’s play has been one the most positive developments for the Hornets in the first month of the season. The 24-year-old is ranked second in the NBA in rebounding at 12.2 boards per game. Hornets.com’s Jim Eichenhofer sat down with the six-year veteran after Hornets practice Tuesday to get Chandler’s thoughts on how he’s faring and several other subjects.
Eichenhofer: How rewarding has it been for you to have such a strong start to the season and be praised for your play, particularly after you experienced a 2005-06 season you described as “embarrassing?”
Chandler: It absolutely feels great. It’s made basketball fun again for me. I think that’s the reason why I’ve been able to play well and help the team, because I’m out there having fun. When you’re having fun, you feel the passion of the game, and you play a lot better.
Eichenhofer: In your opinion, is this the best individual stretch you’ve had in your NBA career, or do you look at it like you are doing many of the same things you’ve done in your six seasons?
Chandler: It’s more of the (latter). I think I’m getting noticed more, and I’ve got backing now. I’m doing what the organization wants me to do, and they’re praising me for it. But there is still a lot of stuff that I want to accomplish out there.
Eichenhofer: In terms of rebounding, are there specific things you are doing better this season, or are you pretty much approaching it the same way as you have in the past?
Chandler: I’m pretty much doing the same thing. The difference is that Coach (Byron Scott) is playing me. I’ve gotten consistent minutes. If you look at the last couple years, I’ve led the league in rebounding per minute.
Eichenhofer: What was the experience like of playing against your former team and many of your ex-teammates on Friday?
Chandler: It was good, but it was a game that I just wanted to get out of the way and get the hoopla out of the way. I’m glad it’s over, and it’s better now for me.
Eichenhofer: Was there any trash-talking going on before or during the game between you and some of the guys you played with in Chicago?
Chandler: [laughs] Yeah, but only jokingly. They all came up to me before the game and told me that they were all proud of how well I’ve been playing, and how much I’ve been helping my team. So that felt good, to hear that from my peers.
Eichenhofer: Have you ever played on a team that has had as many key injuries occur all at the same time as this Hornets club?
Chandler: Never. We had injuries in some of my years with the Bulls where we maybe had one or two guys out, but I’ve never had three key guys out at the same time, as well as a few other players banged up. But you know what? It’s only going to make the team stronger (long-term), because it’s giving other guys a chance to play. Once we get the other guys back from injury, we’ll be that much better as a team.
Eichenhofer: How much fun did you have at Saturday’s Hornets company holiday party? You definitely didn’t hesitate to get out on the dance floor and show off your moves.
Chandler: [laughs] I really enjoyed myself. I love the fact that an organization could come together like that and have fun. I said from Day 1 here that when I walked in, they treated me like family. When I feel like that… I don’t mind opening up around family. It’s a good feeling when there is no separation (between players and team employees). When the players and the organization can come together as one, it’s great.
Eichenhofer: Who’s the best dancer among Hornets players? Did anyone surprise you Saturday?
Chandler: I’m the best dancer on the team. [laughs] I already knew Jannero Pargo could dance from (being his teammate in Chicago). I was actually surprised that (Brandon) Bass doesn’t dance. That surprised me a little bit.
Eichenhofer: Switching subjects, what was the more impressive recent feat, you averaging 11.9 rebounds per game in November, or me winning Monday’s halfcourt shot contest after practice by swishing my first attempt, then draining a 60-footer on only my second try from 60 feet?
Chandler: Probably you! [laughs] Me, I expect to lead the league in rebounding. I didn’t expect you to win a halfcourt shot contest. And by the way [grins], I’m up to 12 rebounds a game now.
Hornets center Tyson Chandler entered the 2006-07 campaign with a primary objective of turning around his career after an admittedly dismal performance with Chicago last season. In the early going, the results speak for themselves.
The 7-foot-1 Chandler’s play has been one the most positive developments for the Hornets in the first month of the season. The 24-year-old is ranked second in the NBA in rebounding at 12.2 boards per game. Hornets.com’s Jim Eichenhofer sat down with the six-year veteran after Hornets practice Tuesday to get Chandler’s thoughts on how he’s faring and several other subjects.
Eichenhofer: How rewarding has it been for you to have such a strong start to the season and be praised for your play, particularly after you experienced a 2005-06 season you described as “embarrassing?”
Chandler: It absolutely feels great. It’s made basketball fun again for me. I think that’s the reason why I’ve been able to play well and help the team, because I’m out there having fun. When you’re having fun, you feel the passion of the game, and you play a lot better.
Eichenhofer: In your opinion, is this the best individual stretch you’ve had in your NBA career, or do you look at it like you are doing many of the same things you’ve done in your six seasons?
Chandler: It’s more of the (latter). I think I’m getting noticed more, and I’ve got backing now. I’m doing what the organization wants me to do, and they’re praising me for it. But there is still a lot of stuff that I want to accomplish out there.
Eichenhofer: In terms of rebounding, are there specific things you are doing better this season, or are you pretty much approaching it the same way as you have in the past?
Chandler: I’m pretty much doing the same thing. The difference is that Coach (Byron Scott) is playing me. I’ve gotten consistent minutes. If you look at the last couple years, I’ve led the league in rebounding per minute.
Eichenhofer: What was the experience like of playing against your former team and many of your ex-teammates on Friday?
Chandler: It was good, but it was a game that I just wanted to get out of the way and get the hoopla out of the way. I’m glad it’s over, and it’s better now for me.
Eichenhofer: Was there any trash-talking going on before or during the game between you and some of the guys you played with in Chicago?
Chandler: [laughs] Yeah, but only jokingly. They all came up to me before the game and told me that they were all proud of how well I’ve been playing, and how much I’ve been helping my team. So that felt good, to hear that from my peers.
Eichenhofer: Have you ever played on a team that has had as many key injuries occur all at the same time as this Hornets club?
Chandler: Never. We had injuries in some of my years with the Bulls where we maybe had one or two guys out, but I’ve never had three key guys out at the same time, as well as a few other players banged up. But you know what? It’s only going to make the team stronger (long-term), because it’s giving other guys a chance to play. Once we get the other guys back from injury, we’ll be that much better as a team.
Eichenhofer: How much fun did you have at Saturday’s Hornets company holiday party? You definitely didn’t hesitate to get out on the dance floor and show off your moves.
Chandler: [laughs] I really enjoyed myself. I love the fact that an organization could come together like that and have fun. I said from Day 1 here that when I walked in, they treated me like family. When I feel like that… I don’t mind opening up around family. It’s a good feeling when there is no separation (between players and team employees). When the players and the organization can come together as one, it’s great.
Eichenhofer: Who’s the best dancer among Hornets players? Did anyone surprise you Saturday?
Chandler: I’m the best dancer on the team. [laughs] I already knew Jannero Pargo could dance from (being his teammate in Chicago). I was actually surprised that (Brandon) Bass doesn’t dance. That surprised me a little bit.
Eichenhofer: Switching subjects, what was the more impressive recent feat, you averaging 11.9 rebounds per game in November, or me winning Monday’s halfcourt shot contest after practice by swishing my first attempt, then draining a 60-footer on only my second try from 60 feet?
Chandler: Probably you! [laughs] Me, I expect to lead the league in rebounding. I didn’t expect you to win a halfcourt shot contest. And by the way [grins], I’m up to 12 rebounds a game now.
