Wilson Jamall Chandler is a retired American professional basketball player born on May 10, 1987, in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
He is known for his versatile playing style as a small forward and power forward, Chandler played 13 seasons in the NBA and briefly in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
He gained prominence for his time with the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets and later played for teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets.
With his impressive skills on the court, Chandler built a solid career and has an estimated net worth of $1 million as of 2024.
Early Life and Family Background
Wilson Chandler was raised in Benton Harbor, Michigan, primarily by his grandparents after his parents separated.
Benton Harbor is located about three hours from Detroit and two hours from Chicago, providing Chandler access to basketball influences from major cities.
He began playing basketball at Fairplain East Elementary School and later attended Benton Harbor High School, where his talent flourished.
As a junior, Chandler averaged 22.4 points and 12 rebounds per game, earning Michigan All-State honors.
During his senior year, he led his team to an undefeated regular season, averaging 24 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks per game.
He was named Mr. Basketball of Michigan in 2005, a prestigious honor for high school athletes in the state.
Education and College Career
Chandler was highly sought after by colleges, including Michigan State, Ohio State, and Indiana University.
However, he ultimately chose DePaul University in 2004.
Freshman Year (2005–2006):
– Averaged 10.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.
– Set a freshman record with 16 rebounds in a game against Dayton.
– Earned Big East Rookie of the Week honors twice and was named to the Big East Freshman Team.
Sophomore Year (2006–2007):
– Improved to 14.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.
– Named to the All-Big East Second Team.
– Led DePaul to a 20-win season and the NIT quarterfinals.
Chandler left college after his sophomore year, finishing 10th all-time in blocked shots for DePaul, with 86 blocks.
NBA Career
New York Knicks (2007–2011)
Wilson Chandler was selected 23rd overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks.
Despite early injuries, he quickly established himself as a dynamic scorer and defender.
By the 2008–09 season, Chandler became a full-time starter, averaging 14.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.
He continued improving until he was traded to the Denver Nuggets in 2011.
Denver Nuggets (2011–2018)
Chandler’s career flourished after joining Denver as part of the trade that sent Carmelo Anthony to New York.
In his debut game, he scored 16 points against the Boston Celtics, helping Denver secure a victory.
He later signed a 5-year, $37 million contract with the Nuggets but faced setbacks due to a hip injury that required surgery, cutting short his 2012 season.
Chandler remained a key contributor for Denver, averaging 13–15 points per game across several seasons, but injuries continued to affect his consistency.
Philadelphia 76ers (2018–2019)
Chandler was traded to the 76ers in 2018.
After recovering from a hamstring injury, he played 36 games, averaging 6.7 points and 4.7 rebounds.
Los Angeles Clippers (2019)
Chandler was part of a trade to the Clippers in exchange for Tobias Harris and other assets.
However, his time with the Clippers was brief, and he played only a few games.
Brooklyn Nets (2019–2020)
Chandler signed with the Nets in 2019 but was suspended for 25 games due to performance-enhancing drug violations (PEDs).
He later returned but struggled to regain his prior form.
Chinese Basketball Association (CBA)
During the 2011 NBA lockout, Chandler played for the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions in China.
Despite adapting to a different style of play, he contributed significantly and returned to the NBA after the lockout ended.
Playing Style and Achievements
Chandler was celebrated for his versatility and ability to play multiple positions.
At 6’8″ and 225 pounds, he was a strong defender, a skilled rebounder, and a reliable three-point shooter.
Key Career Stats:
– NBA Games Played: 675
– Career Points Per Game (PPG): 12.5
– Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 5.3
– Blocks Per Game (BPG): 0.7
Personal Life
Chandler is known for maintaining a low-profile personal life.
He has one daughter, but little is publicly available about his relationships.
Outside of basketball, he is passionate about art and tattoos and has an extensive tattoo collection.
He is also interested in philanthropy and supports youth programs in his hometown of Benton Harbor.
Net Worth and Endorsements
As of 2024, Wilson Chandler’s net worth is estimated at approximately $1 million.
Sources of Income:
– NBA Contracts – Over $58 million earned in career salaries.
– CBA Salary – Estimated $1.7 million during the lockout.
– Endorsements – Deals with Nike and other athletic brands.
Chandler’s wealth was impacted by injuries and suspensions, but he maintained financial stability through careful investments.
Legacy and Retirement
After retiring from the NBA, Chandler shifted focus to mentoring young athletes and exploring business ventures.
Although injuries disrupted parts of his career, Chandler remains respected for his defensive skills, versatility, and contributions to the teams he played for.
Conclusion
Wilson Chandler’s journey from Benton Harbor, Michigan, to the NBA and CBA exemplifies resilience, hard work, and adaptability.
In spite of facing injuries and suspensions, he carved out a 13-season career in professional basketball and left a mark as a skilled and versatile player.
However, with a net worth of $1 million and ongoing business interests, Chandler’s legacy continues both on and off the court.