Wilson Chandler

From Benton Harbor to the Big Apple, then back to Denver: A journey of resilience and rebounding.

Wilson Chandler is a former professional basketball player who played 13 seasons in the NBA, primarily defining his career with the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets. Born on May 10, 1987, he was selected 23rd overall by the Knicks in the 2007 draft after two years at DePaul University. Standing at 6 ft 8 in. and weighing 225 lbs, Chandler played both forward positions with notable versatility. His career included a stint in the Chinese Basketball Association during the 2011 lockout before he returned to Denver for his longest tenure in the league.

Quick Facts

Born: 10 May 1987
Birthplace: Benton Harbor, Michigan, U.S.
High school: Benton Harbor (Benton Harbor, Michigan)
College: DePaul (2005–2007)
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 23
Drafted by: New York Knicks
Career position: Small forward

Lore & Background

Chandler's professional path took a dramatic turn on February 22, 2011, when he was included in a three-way blockbuster trade involving the Minnesota Timberwolves that sent Carmelo Anthony to New York. In his debut for the Nuggets, Chandler immediately made an impact, scoring 16 points including 8 crucial fourth-quarter markers in a victory over the Boston Celtics. Adapting to Denver's open offense alongside Danilo Gallinari and Raymond Felton, he helped propel the team to a 50–32 record and the fifth playoff seed. Although the Nuggets were defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games, Chandler showed resilience; on March 23, 2011, he played through a sprained ankle against San Antonio, recording 6 blocks and hitting a clutch jumper with 29.3 seconds left to secure an 115–112 win.

Reader's Guide

Wilson Chandler's statistical profile reflects a player who evolved from a high-scoring rookie to a defensive specialist. In his second NBA season under Mike D'Antoni, he averaged 14.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in all 82 games, highlighted by a 32-point performance against Toronto. By the 2009–10 season, he averaged 15.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 65 games. His defensive prowess was evident when he set a career-high with 35 points against Sacramento on February 9, 2011, or recorded 8 blocks as a rookie at DePaul. Despite being traded to Philadelphia in July 2018 for cash considerations, his final NBA chapter began slowly due to a hamstring injury, making his debut on November 3 with four rebounds but zero points.

Did You Know?

In November 2010, his front tooth was inadvertently knocked out by former teammate David Lee during a game against Golden State; he returned minutes later to score 27 points.
During the 2011 All-Star Weekend, Chandler assisted Nate Robinson in the dunk contest by allowing Robinson to use his back as a trampoline.
As a freshman at DePaul, Chandler recorded 16 rebounds against Dayton, the most by a freshman since Quentin Richardson in 1999.
During the 2011 NBA lockout, he played for Zhejiang Guangsha Lions where he scored 43 points and grabbed 22 rebounds in his debut double-overtime win.