The Hornets’ leading rebounder, Tyson Chandler spent the first five seasons of his pro career as a member of the Chicago Bulls, having been selected with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2001 NBA draft. The Los Angeles native came to the NBA after a decorated high school hoops career at Dominguez (Calif.). In this edition of NBA Superlatives, the 7-foot-1 center discusses his NBA experiences and the league.

Most memorable moment in the NBA:
“My first playoff game in 2005 with Chicago, against Washington. It was a great experience. That first series you always remember. It was the first playoff game for the Bulls in a long time [since 1998, Michael Jordan’s final season in Chicago]. It was an incredible atmosphere.”

Most memorable dunk in the NBA:
“I had one in Detroit when I was a rookie where I came down the lane after stealing an outlet pass and dunked one – on a lot of people.” [laughs]

Most embarrassing moment in the NBA:
“Last season [Chandler averaged a career-low 5.3 points per game]. The whole year was embarrassing for me.”

Most surprising thing about the NBA as a rookie:
“How big and strong everybody was. I didn’t expect it. I was coming right out of high school, where you had maybe one good player (on the opposing team) that you had to really worry about. In the NBA, everyone’s good.”

Toughest player to face at his position:
Tim Duncan. “He’s got a lot of moves and a great feel for the game.”

Most underrated player in the NBA:
Steve Nash. “What he does is amazing. He makes his team be a TEAM, no matter who you give him (for teammates). That’s incredible to me. Phoenix didn’t have a traditional center or power forward last season, but they just put some players around him, and (Nash) makes it happen. He turns a lot of players into stars.”

Best uniforms in the NBA:
Mavericks.

Favorite road arenas:
“I always play well in Boston for some reason, and the arena has a real traditional feel. I also like Dallas. Dallas’ arena has a nice vibe and a nice floor.”

Favorite road trip, based on the city:
Los Angeles. “Because it’s my home.”

Best trash-talker in the NBA:
Gary Payton. “I like messing with him. I will tell him he can’t handle whoever the point guard is on my team. He’ll be talking out of the side of his mouth back to me. I think it’s hilarious.”

Best heckler story:
“I don’t remember now exactly what this fan said to me, but a couple years ago I was at the free-throw line and whatever I heard made me start laughing. I couldn’t help myself. I couldn’t even be mad at the guy, because it was that funny.”

Change he’d make if were NBA commissioner:
“I’d probably lessen the preseason games. I think we play eight now. I’d knock it down to about five.”