NEW YORK –– When he was coaching the Washington Wizards in 2001, Doug Collins worked Tyson Chandler out three times because he was so enamored with the 7-footer from Dominguez (CA) High.
“We almost drafted him,” Collins said Wednesday before his Philadelphia 76ers (7-2) took on the Knicks (5-4) at MSG.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of Tyson Chandler’s.”
And when Chandler came to the Knicks last month in a trade, Collins wasn’t pleased because he knew he would add a defensive presence to the Sixers’ Atlantic Division rival.
“He gives them a shot-blocker, a rebounder, he gives them tenacity. If you look at the game the other night, the three guys on their foul line got to the foul line a lot.
“He’s improved his foul shooting that used to be a real Achilles’ heel for him.”
After averaging 8.3 points in his career, Chandler is averaging 12 points and 8.6 rebounds this season. He’s had two 20+ point games, including Monday’s 20-point, 13-rebound outing in a 91-87 win over Charlotte.
He’s also 12th in the NBA in dunks.
“If they get Baron Davis back or whatever,” added Collins, “then they could be a real force.”
Photo: Getty Images
