Wilson Chandler Looks to Bust Out in 2008-09

Photo Gallery: Chandler’s 2007-08 Season

Sept. 3, 2008

As the start of a new season -- and a new era -- of New York Knicks basketball draws closer, NYKnicks.com will sit down with the players, coaches and others closely associated with the team to discuss their thoughts on the outlook for 2008-09.

We continue the series with versatile Knicks forward Wilson Chandler, who discusses his transition from a rookie to a key cog in the 2008-09 Knicks machine.

NYKnicks.com: What have you been working on during this off-season?

Wilson Chandler: I’ve been working on my weak spots and trying to get better handling the ball, my lateral movements, my jumper and stuff like that. I’m also getting my conditioning up because I know we are going to run a lot this year. So I’m doing a lot of little things.

NYKnicks.com: What specifically are you doing to improve those areas?

Chandler: Just different types of drills basically. Like I’ve started doing a lot of the drills the guards do like Nate (Robinson). I was working out at home in Michigan, but I’ve been back here a few weeks now, so Nate, D-Lee (David Lee), (Anthony) Roberson and a bunch of people, we’ve all been going at it and learning different things from each other. It feels good to be back.

NYKnicks.com: You were teammates with Anthony Roberson during the NBA Summer League. What did you learn about his game?

Chandler: He’s a great shooter. You know, you can always depend on him to knock down a shot. He's also got good passing skills and stuff like that, so I think he will be a good addition to our team.

NYKnicks.com: How about Summer League as a whole? Most people regarded you as the best Knicks player out in Las Vegas.

Chandler: No matter what I was doing, I just went out and tried to do well. I didn’t think of it as a coming out party like some people said to me. I just went out and did what I do and that’s play basketball. That’s what I do best.

NYKnicks.com: You also had some pretty big personal news this summer. You had your first child, right?

Chandler: Yeah, a little girl.

NYKnicks.com: How’s that been for you?

Chandler: It’s different (laughs). You know, it’s kind of weird. I wake up every day and I think that I have a daughter. It’s weird. But it’s good you know. You get used to it. I thank God for her. I can’t wait for her to come watch me play.

NYKnicks.com: How did it feel to come on strong down the stretch last year and show what you can do after not really playing much for most of the season?

Chandler: I mean, it felt good because I knew I could play well against this level of competition if I got the chance. I just stayed focused.

NYKnicks.com: Were you frustrated early on?

Chandler: Yeah, just by not playing, it was kind of frustrating a little bit. I just tried to stay focused and I got a chance to play and I was ready.

NYKnicks.com: What did your teammates say to prevent you from getting down on yourself?

Chandler: Oh, well, you know they just said that it is something that everybody in this league has to go through and to not let it affect me. Whether it’s as a rookie or some other point in your career, you gotta hold your head up and fight through it.

NYKnicks.com: Is there anyone on the team that you consider a mentor?

Chandler: Q (Quentin Richardson) and Malik Rose.

NYKnicks.com: Is Q because you both went to DePaul…

Chandler: No. It’s really just because he’s a people person. He’s been real good to me.

NYKnicks.com: He’s also the only one on this roster who has played a full season under Mike D’Antoni in the past. What has he told you about him and how he wants to play?

Chandler: Just that it’s a lot of running, and that we’re gonna have fun out there. It’s gonna be a fun season, basically. I mean it’s our job, but with how Coach is and how he likes to play, it’s gonna be fun too.

NYKnicks.com: Do you think his style is going to suit you?

Chandler: Yeah. I mean, I don’t see what’s wrong with running, working hard and having fun, so, yeah, I think I’ll fit in fine.

NYKnicks.com: There’s definitely a new culture in the air with D’Antoni and (Donnie) Walsh in charge. What effect have those changes had on the players?

Chandler: We all want to show them what we can do, but just being a team, that’s more valuable than any individual goals or stuff like that. So I’m trying not to do too much, and just do what I know I can do.

NYKnicks.com: What kind of message did Donnie Walsh give you during your exit interview at the end of last season or any time you two have spoken since?

Chandler: You know, basically, he just told me to work hard and just keep in shape and we will see how far it can take me. He didn’t give me any guarantees on anything, but he told me to work hard and he thinks there could be big things for me eventually. I mean, he really is a great person and I have a great deal of respect for him.

NYKnicks.com: He recently held a Town Forum with season subscribers, and he said he was pleasantly surprised with your play when he arrived here last year, that he admires your toughness and that he thinks you have a bright future. What does that mean to you?

Chandler: That makes me feel real good. That lets me know that I’m going to be around a lot longer and that my coaches have confidence in me. I’m happy to hear that. It makes me feel real good.

NYKnicks.com: Was there any moment last year where you were stepped back and thought, "Wow, I really made it to the NBA. I can’t believe I’m playing against some of the biggest stars in the game?"

Chandler: Um, not really. Just basically being around everybody. Being in practice, and on the road. I would think how back in high school and college we used to travel, and now I’m here, so that was cool.

NYKnicks.com: Overall, are you happy with how your career has progressed to this point?

Chandler: Um, yeah. I mean I’m not mad at all about anything, so I think I’m doing pretty good. I think I’m in a real good position here in New York, so I’m happy.

NYKnicks.com: The fans seem to think you are one of the bright spots too. How does that make you feel?

Chandler: Last year when they cheered for me, and the reactions I’ve been getting, it’s been good, you know. You need the fans for support, and New York is a great place. I want the fans to be behind me 100 percent, because I’m always going to be behind them.

NYKnicks.com: You’re one of the better defenders on the team. Talk about your approach to defense.

Chandler: I wouldn’t label myself as a defensive player, but I do try to do my best whenever I guard anybody. You gotta take pride in your defense, but I think I’m pretty good on offense too, you know what I’m saying (laughs). So I wouldn’t call myself a defensive player.

NYKnicks.com: As a team, do you feel the Knicks owe something to their fans after last year?

Chandler: I think if you ask any player on the team, they will say we owe the fans after what we put on the court. We play for the New York Knicks. We are lucky to be able to say that, and we want to make the fans proud. I think all of us owe them something.

NYKnicks.com: You are a versatile player, but where do you see yourself lining up this season?

Chandler: I don’t know. We really haven’t talked about it, but I do just whatever I’m told to do. If they need me at the three, I’ll go there. If they want me to guard the two I can do that or play big up front at the four. Whatever they want I’ll do.

NYKnicks.com: What are you excited about this year?

Chandler: I’m looking forward to playing with (Chris) Duhon. I went to school in Chicago while he was playing there and he’s a strong point guard, runs the team very well and can knock down the open shot. He’s just a smart player overall.

NYKnicks.com: How about Danilo Gallinari? You are one of the few to have played next with him when you guys suited up together in Summer League.

Chandler: I think Gallo is great. He can shoot, handle the ball, he is tough. … I think he is just a great versatile player. He was fun to play with.

NYKnicks.com: He will have to make that adjustment to life in New York, just as you did last year. How was that for you, and do you have any advice for him?

Chandler: That really wasn’t so tough, because I’m a really big homebody. I don’t go out too much unless it’s to catch a couple of games. But besides that, I don’t really go out in the city too much, so it was pretty smooth for me. He’s a good guy and seems the same way. I think he will be fine.

NYKnicks.com: Finally, what one message would you like to send out to Knicks fans heading into the 2008-09 season?

Chandler: We’re gonna give it our all and play hard, you know what I’m saying? We’re gonna be up-tempo and it should be fun to watch. If you’ve watched the Suns the last few years, you know how exciting the Knicks should be this year.

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