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Tyson Gets Up, but Bobcats Fall

Devon Jeffreys — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:29:14 -0500

One night after being neutralized by foul trouble in a loss to the Orlando Magic, Tyson Chandler went back to work for the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday.

Tyson scored seven points and grabbed six boards, three on the offensive end, but the Bobcats dropped their third straight game, 98-75 at the hands of the Detroit Pistons at the Palace in Auburn Hills.

After the game, TC wasn't pleased with his own performance, or the team's play as a whole, as quoted on Bobcats Break:
"That was a bad loss; we shouldn’t have lost that way. We were bad all over the place. It was very disappointing tonight because I don’t think that we should have lost to this team that way. They outplayed us tonight, they were quick to the ball, executed better then we did, made open shots and pretty much outplayed us in every area you can think of."

In the loss, Ty had his best game on the offensive glass of the season, pulling down three offensive boards, all of which led to Charlotte points. The Big Cat scored all seven of his points in the first half, including the first four of the game for Charlotte. He connected on an alley-oop from Raymond Felton to opening scoring, then grabbed a board and got fouled to force his way to the line where he connected on both free throws.

In the second quarter he took a Gerald Wallace feed and added two more points on a layup. His last point was converted at the free throw line. He also swatted two Pistons shots.

TOUGH GO
The night prior, TC was in foul trouble from the get-go, managing only three points in 11 minutes as the Orlando Magic defeated Charlotte, 93-81, as quoted by the Charlotte Observer:
"I got some tough ones," Chandler said of the fouls. "Every time I made contact, I got one. And when I'm not out there, it hurts our continuity."

Tyson added three rebounds, an assist and a block.

NEXT UP
Tyson and the Bobcats return home briefly on Saturday night to host the Portland Trail Blazers. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the game can be seen on NBATV or regionally on FSCR.

RELATED STORIES
Bobcats fall in Detroit (Bobcats Break, November 11, 2009)
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Howard a tough guard, but Charlotte misfires (Charlotte Observer, November 11, 2009)
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Bobcats off again, drop third straight (Charlotte Observer, November 12, 2009)
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Taking on the Magic

Devon Jeffreys — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:38:42 -0500

Tyson Chandler and his Charlotte Bobcats' hope to continue their sparkling play at home (3-0) tonight, but they'll have a big obstacle in the house when Dwight Howard brings the Eastern Conference Champion Orlando Magic into Time Warner Cable Arena.

Tyson last played against the Magic on Christmas Day last year when the Magic routed TC's Hornets in Orlando. No. 6 recorded seven points, five rebounds and three blocks that day.

But Ty hopes to be able to corral Howard in a way former Charlotte center Emeka Okafor was unable to.

Howard had one of the best games of his career against Charlotte last season, posting 45 points and 19 rebounds in a 107-102 Magic victory last February.

Examiner.com's David Sentendrey points out the major differences between Tyson and Okafor:

"Chandler creates little offense for himself, but his defensive presence is a step-up from Emeka Okafor, who Dwight Howard consistently dominated when facing Charlotte.

Chandler, who stands at 7'1, will have more height to match up against the 6'11 Howard, compared to the 6'10 Okafor."

At Rufus on Fire, David Arnott believes the key to the game will be on the glass:

"Last year, Orlando was tremendous on the defensive boards, but spreading the floor left them extremely thin on the offensive boards. Thus far this year, they're not quite as good at defensive rebounding, but they're improved on the offensive glass, probably because of the changed style.

They were content to let opponents get lots of rebounds as long as they were making lots of threes, too, but now that the three isn't such a potent weapon for them, they can't afford to allow so many boards off their misses and continue to be successful."

With that in mind, Tyson's rebounding ability could prove to be an enormous difference, as noted by Bobcats Break:

Tyson Chandler comes into tomorrow night's game with Orlando with two solid performances in his pocket from Friday and Saturday night. Against the Hawks and Bulls combined, Chandler went 10 of 13 from the field and averaged 11.5 points. He pulled down 17 rebounds in two games, seven of them offensive, and blocked six shots.

Head Coach Larry Brown has talked about opening Chandler's game up a little bit. Before you start thinking about Chandler putting the ball on the floor and driving to the basket, Tyson reminded me that those improvements will come out of his post-up game.

Chandler says his big goal is to keep his defensive man occupied to the point where he won't leave Chandler to help defensively on Boris Diaw and Gerald Wallace. So far, defenders that have been evacuating Chandler are finding it hard to avoid being “posterized” on one of his dunks.

Tip-off between the Magic and Hornets is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST and all the action can be seen regionally on Fox Sports Carolinas.

RELATED STORIES
Bobcats host Orlando Magic, Howard (Examiner.com, November 10, 2009)
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Bobcats focused on keeping home roll going (Bobcats Break, November 10, 2009)
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Doubling Down Against Atlanta

Devon Jeffreys — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:10:34 -0500

It appears the preseason rust is wearing off for Tyson Chandler.

The Charlotte Bobcats are reaping the rewards for it.

Tyson recorded his first double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds, and added four blocks to help the Bobcats roll over the Atlanta Hawks 103-83 on Friday night.

The showing was by far Tyson's best of the season as he works to find his niche in a brand new offense while recovering from two offseason surgeries.

TC was all over the glass and scored on a pair of tip-ins, a pair of alley oops and a layup for good measure. Of his 10 boards, eight came on the defensive end. He blocked a shot each from four of Atlanta's top six scorers on the night and two of his blocks came in the fourth as the 'Cats pulled away.

Charlotte fans, get used to seeing a lot more of this (Getty Images).

Tyson was 5-5 from the field and continued to leave an impression on Bobcats bloggers, like Dr. E of Bobcats Baseline:

"Tyson Chandler continued to play himself into shape (and learn LB's system on the fly) and ended with his best game yet: 10 pts on 5-5 FG (with two monster ‘oops) and 10 rebounds."

Brett of Queen City Hoops issued congratulations to TC in his By the Numbers column:

"2x2 - Congrats to Tyson Chandler for his first double-double as a Bobcat, with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks in just 30 minutes of work. The Hawks only managed an efficiency of 75.4 while Tyson was manning the post."

While TC was handling the inside, his teammates Raja Bell and Flip Murray were dialing it up from the outside. Bell scored a game-high 24 points and Murray added 15 off the bench. The two combined to drain eight of Charlotte's 11 threes on the night.

Both players have missed time with injury this season and Tyson noted what a boon it was for Charlotte to get them both back, as quoted by HoopsWorld:

"It makes a huge difference because it spreads the floor," he explained. "Those are two of the best shooters on our team, so when they were missing it was tough. We couldn't make shots because we couldn't spread the floor. The paint was packed, and it was hard to penetrate… But with them on the floor we can spread the defense a little better."

NO RETURNS IN RETURN
TC and the 'Cats rode the momentum from Friday night's statement win into Chicago on Saturday night looking to keep the good times rolling.

But Tyson's return to Chi-town was a rude one and the Bulls managed a 93-90 victory to drop Charlotte to 3-3 this season.

No. 6 scored 13 points, his best total this season and added seven rebounds and two blocks to finish out a strong weekend set with 23 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks. But the Big Cat wasn't satisfied with his own efforts because Charlotte watched a seven-point lead at the half vanish when the team came out for the second half flat, as quoted by Bobcats Break:

"We just had a tough start in that third quarter. That is the time where the game was decided," said Tyson Chandler. "They just came out with more energy than us. They hit shots and we didn't, and that decided the game. We had the game under control until that spurt they went on. We turned over the ball a lot and they were just livelier than us that whole quarter."

Tyson was Charlotte's biggest source of offense in the third, scoring seven of the team's 17 points in the frame. No. 6 added six more points in the fourth quarter including two crucial free throws to pull the Cats within two points with 21 seconds left. The Bulls upped the advantage to three with a John Salmons free throw and Flip Murray's last ditch three came up short to hand Charlotte the loss.

David Arnott of Rufus on Fire felt Ty's improvements were a bright spot in the loss:

"Tyson Chandler looks more and more comfortable on both offense and defense, and appears to be settling into his roles. Just as important, his teammates seem to be settling into a comfort zone with him, too. We're just seeing the familiarity usually developed during preseason being developed now."

Meanwhile, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer felt that Tyson's 13 second half points showed that the Bobcats missed out by not going to TC earlier:

"Brown talks a lot these days about the importance of including center Tyson Chandler in the offense. That happened against the Hawks, but certainly not against the Bulls in the first half. Chandler didn't even take a shot until two minutes into the third quarter. Granted, he only played six minutes in the first half, but he still has to be more involved at both ends."

IN THE PAINT
Tyson and some of his teammates recently spent an afternoon in Uptown Charlotte meeting and greeting fans at Lowe's, signing autographs, taking photos, giving out prizes and learning how to make paint.

To see Tyson take part in this Bobcats initiative, check out the video below from Bobcats Break:

NEXT UP
Tyson and his fellow 'Cats return to action tomorrow night when they host Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic. The Magic are the defending Southeast Division Champions and currently sit 1.5 games ahead of the Cats for third place. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. and all the action can be seen locally on FSCR.

RELATED STORIES
Two 'Cats make all the difference (Hoops World, November 7, 2009)
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Hawks at Bobcats Box Score (NBA.com, November 6, 2009)
http://www.nba.com/games/20091106/ATLCHA/boxscore.html
Bell, Bobcats solve offensive woes against Hawks (Bobcats Baseline, November 7, 2009)
http://www.bobcatsbaseline.com/blog/?p=1616
Bobcats vs. Hawks Recap By the Numbers (Queen City Hoops, November 6, 2009)
http://queencityhoops.com/GameRecap110609BTN.php
Road win eludes Bobcats in Chicago (Bobcats Break, November 8, 2009)
http://www.bobcatsbreak.com/?p=883
Bobcats at Bulls Play by Play (NBA.com, November 7, 2009)
http://www.nba.com/games/20091107/CHACHI/playbyplay.html
Observations: Bobcats-Bulls (Charlotte Observer, November 8, 2009)
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Bulls beat Bobcats 93-90 (Rufus on Fire, November 7, 2009)
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Bobcats Paint the Town (Bobcats Break, November 9, 2009)
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TC, Cats Face Hawks

David Neiman — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:15:06 -0500

If Tyson Chandler and the Charlotte Bobcats hope to compete for a playoff spot in the loaded Eastern Conference this season, they can make a statement tonight against their southeast division rivals, the Atlanta Hawks.

The Bobcats (2-2) trail the Hawks (4-1) by a game and a half for first place in the Southeast Division standings. Atlanta is tied with defending Eastern Conference Champion Orlando and the Miami Heat for first. Though it’s early, the Hawks are sure to be one of the teams Charlotte must compete with to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

The Bobcats dropped three of their four games against Atlanta last season and the Hawks represent one of the humps Charlotte needs to get over in order to contend. Tyson scored 11 points and grabbed 12 boards for the Hornets against Atlanta last season.

Tyson has been improving with each outing (Getty Images)

INFORMATION OVERLOAD
As he works himself back into the lineup from surgery this offseason, No. 6 has also had a lot to learn.

As the Charlotte Observer reports, there are very few similarities between the schemes run by Tyson’s former team, the Hornets and his current team, the Bobcats. That has put No. 6 way behind his teammates in implementation:

“Every day I get a little better at it,” Chandler said. “A lot of this has to do with getting in better shape… (Offense) is about getting to spots and sometimes I’ve been a little slow to get there.’‘

The Bobcats installed as many as 50 new plays that TC is unfamiliar with this offseason and as the rest of team learned and used them during camp, Tyson was but a helpless spectator on the sidelines, as he told the Observer:

“There were days in the preseason when coach was teaching five sets a day,” Chandler recalled. “I remember telling the trainers, ‘I’m gonna be way behind.’”

Even the pick-and-roll, the signature play of Ty and teammate Chris Paul in New Orleans, is run differently in Charlotte, as the Observer’s Rick Bonnell notes:

“For instance, Chandler was taught in New Orleans to set a pick, then roll away from the action, clearing the floor for point guard Chris Paul and forward David West.

He was an afterthought whose only function was to leap to the rim, either for a lob pass or an offensive rebound.

Here, as Chandler described it, he’s asked to roll to the basket, then dive back toward the ball if nothing is there. “That’s still not natural for me to chase the ball,” Chandler said.”

But both Tyson and his coach Larry Brown are confident that once this transition period is over, No. 6 will be a more well-rounded player and a potential scoring threat at any moment, as Bonnell surmises:

“Fortunately, Chandler is bright and articulate, the sort of communicator and learner who should find his way. This is as much about philosophy as strategy; Brown says his hope is for Chandler to expand his self-definition, to stop thinking of himself as just a goalie and a dunker.

“He wants me to stop being that robot, and start exploring more opportunities,” Chandler said. “Right now that’s a second thought instead of an instinct. And I’ve got to turn it into an instinct.”

To read more about Tyson’s transition, courtesy of the Charlotte Observer’s Rick Bonnell, click here.

IT’S GAME TIME
The Hawks and the Bobcats tip-off tonight from Time-Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte at 7 p.m. The game will not be televised locally.

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Ty Getting Back Into It

David Neiman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:59:34 -0500

Four games into his first season in Charlotte, Tyson Chandler continues to work hard to adjust.

TC posted his best game of the season Monday night, throwing down eight points and grabbing eight rebounds as the Charlotte Bobcats claimed their second win of the season 79-68 over the New Jersey Nets.

Tyson played a season high 35 minutes on Monday night, but remains rusty as he recovers from six months on the sidelines after ankle surgery this summer.

Coach Larry Brown knows the season is a marathon, not a sprint and it will take time for No. 6 to round back into shape, as quoted in the Charlotte Observer.

“This is his exhibition season,” Bobcats coach Larry Brown said of understanding Chandler’s struggles. “I’m comfortable with him. We just need to figure out ways to use him. And he can’t be so hard on himself.”

Tyson’s competitive side can be a double-edged sword because although it drives the Big Cat to get better on a night-by-night basis, it also makes him his worst critic, as quoted by the Charlotte Observer.

“The timing is bad. We’re still trying to get used to each other,” Ty said after the Bobcats dropped a 90-79 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers last Saturday. “We’ve got to address it. We’ve got to get better fast.’‘

No. 6 had eight points and seven rebounds against the Cavs and did an impressive job containing LeBron James on drives to the bucket. James finished with only 14 points, by far his lowest output of the young season. James hasn’t scored less than 20 in any of the Cavs’ other four games.

Bobcats coach Larry Brown believes Tyson is feeling pressure to replace the man he was traded for Emeka Okafor, as quoted in the Observer:

“He cares. He’s replacing a player who was a really huge part of our team,” Brown described. “I’m not exactly sure what his role was with New Orleans, but he rebounded, defended, blocked shots and made layups. (Chris) Paul did such a great job of getting him the ball where he didn’t have to do much (to score).

Brown, though, feels that there is so much more that Tyson can do offensively than just throw down the lob for an alley-opp dunk. The Bobcats just need to give the big man the opportunity:

“He’s a young kid; I want him to expand his game: Get out on the floor and shoot it and dribble-drive a little bit. Be a low-post threat and not as an afterthought.

NEXT UP
The Bobcats are in the midst of a rare stretch with three straight days off. They return to action on Friday night when they host the Atlanta Hawks. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.

RELATED STORIES
LeBron, Mo drop sloppy Bobcats to 1-2 (Charlotte Observer, November 1, 2009)
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Observations: Chandler plenty rusty (Charlotte Observer, October 31, 2009)
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/bobcats/story/1031367.html

Ready for the Home Opener

David Neiman — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:53:39 -0400

Refueled and refocused, Tyson and the Charlotte Bobcats are ready to play the New York Knicks.

Prior to prior to practice, coach Larry Brown held a two-hour long film season, forcing the ‘Cats to analyze their performance against the Celtics on Wednesday night. TC expressed how valuable the critique was in preparing for the next game in an interview on the Bobcats web site.

“We can really learn from everything that happened the other day. We know we’re not where we want to be. You know we’re still a young group as far as coming together and learning so the thing that we got to do is continue to learn and continue to try and play to the floor, “ said Chandler.

With a team strategy in place to execute better basketball, No. 6 is looking forward, not backwards in defeat.

“It’s just important to bounce back from that game. Whether it’s at home or on the road. This is a game we feel like we can win and we got to go out there and play like it.”

ADDED TO THE ARSENAL
In the December ’08 matchup, the Bobcats lost to the Knicks 93-89. The game was within the ‘Cats reach. New York’s defense was ranked 7th worst in the league last season.

This season, with Tyson on board, Charlotte stands a good chance of out muscling New York defensively. The key to a win will be TC’s aggressiveness and his ability to rebound and block shots.

NEXT UP
Charlotte takes on the New York Knicks on Friday. The game starts at 7 p.m. and will be televised in Charlotte on FSCR.

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Jan. 12 – Hornets vs. Knicks: Hornets lose 101-95 to Knicks (Beloblog.com, Jan. 12, 2009)
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Six for Six in Opener

David Neiman — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:27:16 -0400

The Charlotte Bobcats opened the season on Wednesday night looking to newcomer Tyson Chandler to jump start the franchise's hopes for a winning season.

Though Charlotte didn’t start with a ‘W,’ instead falling 92-59 at the hands of Eastern Conference power the Boston Celtics, Tyson did see regular game action for the first time since last April. In the process, the Big Cat recorded six defensive rebounds in just 21 minutes.

A GOOD START
At tip off, No. 6 went head-to-head against Celtic’s Kendrick Perkins. Advantage Charlotte as TC got the tip and Raymond Felton gained possession.

Ty lived up to the reputation he earned two years ago as one of the league’s top rebounders with six boards, all in the first half of the game.

TC was all over the backboard on a miss by Kendrick Perkins and two clanks by Ray Allen in the first, skying high to clean the glass for the ‘Cats. He add three more boards in the second quarter as well.

On a night when the Bobcats couldn’t muster much offense, three of TC’s six boards led directly to Charlotte buckets.

NEXT UP
Charlotte takes on the New York Knicks on Friday. The game starts at 7 p.m. and will be televised in Charlotte on FSCR.

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Charlotte Bobcats vs. Boston Celtics – Play By Play (ESPN, Oct. 28, 2009)
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Tyson Ready for Fresh Start

David Neiman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:20:49 -0400

Tonight begins a new-era for the Charlotte Bobcats and new center Tyson Chandler.

Before boarding a plane to Boston for tonight’s season opener with the Boston Celtics, Tyson proclaimed himself ready to go, as quoted on Bobcats.com:

“I’m really excited. I felt good today for the first time, as far as my spring moving and running. My legs felt like they were under me, so I’m excited for the first game,” said Chandler. “I wouldn’t say my wind is back, but my legs are feeling like they’re under me mechanically. I can get them under me. Before I was kind of favoring, so I couldn’t run as hard as I wanted to.”

Coach Larry Brown told the website that he isn’t ready to give Tyson his full compliment of minutes just yet, but he plans to let No. 6 give it a go tonight and see what happens.

“I just want to do as much as possible to get my team prepared,” said Chandler. “As long as you compete out there, the rest will take care of itself.”

Tyson talked about his status before heading to Boston:

STEPPING STONE
After months of grueling workouts and rehab, last week Tyson took the biggest step yet in his return to the hardwood.

TC returned to game action last Tuesday, contributing four points and two rebounds in the Bobcats’ 94-87 preseason victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Three days later, he came back even stronger with eight points and six boards as the Bobcats lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in their final preseason game.

Tyson was glad to be back in the game and even surprised himself with his own performance.

“It was better than I expected,” The Big Cat said.

Currently the priority for both Tyson and the ‘Cats is to get his ankle healthy., no matter how long that takes. Tyson was 10 days ahead of schedule in his return to practice, but has been carefully monitored as he participates in limited activities. Though he knows it’s in his best interest, that hasn’t stopped No. 6 from getting antsy:

“I’m always impatient. I always want results yesterday,” Chandler said. “Obviously, I’m itchy to be out there. But from where I was to when I first came here to now it’s been huge steps. That’s the positive.”

With Ty’s long-term health in mind, coach Larry Brown said he isn’t sure how much playing time TC will get in the early part of the season.

“We have to be real careful with him,” Brown said. “Right now it’s more a strength issue. A lot depends on the next few days.”

In what he’s seen from Tyson so far, Brown is most impressed with Chandler’s defensive skills and ability to switch off and guard smaller players away from the basket, particularly in pick-and-roll situations.

“If your big guys have mobility and length and quickness, it’s really important,” Brown said.

Having Ty available tonight would be very helpful for Charlotte with Raja Bell and Flip Murray nursing injuries that could keep them on the bench.

TC has demonstrated great offensive abilities with the Hornets, but brings to the table exceptional rebounding abilities as well, which the Bobcats will need in the matchup with the Celtics.

VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
Acquiring TC was the Bobcats’ biggest offseason acquisition. Gerald Wallace, the last original Bobcat, has welcomed Ty to the fold:

“For me, I want us to get better,” Wallace said. “With the acquisition of Tyson and the other guys we have here and the other guys we already had here, I think we’re in a great situation.”

The Bobcats and the Celtics tip-off tonight at 7:30 p.m. EST. All the action can be seen in the Charlotte area on FSCR.

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Chandler’s recovery ahead of schedule (Charlotte Observer, October 26, 2009)
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Tyson Chandler’s Healing Rapidly (SlamOnline.com, October 23, 2009)
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Primed for Preseason

David Neiman — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:43:23 -0400

What a difference a week has made for Tyson Chandler.

Just last week, the chances of Ty playing in this preseason for the Charlotte Bobcats seemed remote.

But with the help of some orthotic arch supports, his return has a much better outlook.

Ty practiced with the ‘Cats on Monday and could see action shortly. As he told the Charlotte’s Observer’s Rick Bonnell, the orthotics felt good.

“They help a lot. Now I’ll be able to actually strengthen my ankle’’ by playing on it, Chandler said. “Before the orthotics, just getting up and down (the court) I’d get sore quickly. So now I can make the progress.’‘

Ty is driven to get Charlotte into the playoffs this season (Getty Images).

Tyson’s progress was a welcome sight to coach Larry Brown, as Ty told Bonnell:

“He probably got a little excited today,’’ Chandler said of Brown. “He saw me get up and down (the court) and get a little contact. That’s same as I felt.’‘

Charlotte lost its first preseason game of the season on Tuesday night, 92-87, to the Cavaliers in Cleveland.

The Bobcats return to action on Thursday night against Tyson’s former team, the New Orleans Hornets, in Greensboro, N.C., but Ty figures to still be sidelined that night. Charlotte’s games against Cleveland on Saturday in North Charleston or in Atlanta on Monday could be better targets for the big man’s debut.

ON THE RUN
As the Bobcats continue to mold their offense, it’s obvious what they’ll be looking to do this season: run

In a feature for USA Today, AP Sports writer Mike Cranston took a look at the fast-paced Cats and quoted No. 6 on the team’s speed:

“I think the personnel changes that they made and the players that they added, it’s going make us a naturally running team,” Chandler said Wednesday. “Coach isn’t going to have to scream about running all the time.”

According to Tyson, the key to implementing an on-the-run offense is maintaining the pace no matter who has the ball:

“Guys can’t stop just because the ball is not in the point guard’s hands,” Chandler said. “That’s the only way you can fast break. If Raymond is denied or D.J. is denied, we have to still be able to move. We have to make them pay for that.”

To read more about what Tyson brings to the offense as an athletic big man, click here.

TEACHING AND LEARNING
Even before he was able to practice this week, Ty could be found making an impact on the young Bobcats.

Charlotte coach Larry Brown has been complimentary of TC all camp long, as quoted by Rick Bonnell last week.

“He’s such a conscientious kid that after we practiced yesterday, he grabbed the rookies to go over the plays.”

Teammates have noted that Ty’s biggest impact has come in his leading voice, something No. 6 has been known for his whole career, as quoted in the Charlotte Observer:

“It’s my nature – I’m vocal, I’m going to speak out,” said Chandler, who was traded from New Orleans to Charlotte, in exchange for Okafor.

“I feel like (by being vocal and candid), it’s going to make everybody gel. I think with me, it’s always constructive criticism, but I have a passion for the game and wanting to win.”

His leadership from the center position has already begun to resonate with his fellow Bobcats. Veteran guard Raja Bell commended Ty’s vision:

“It definitely helps if you have someone who can quarterback (the defense from the center position) because he’s the only one who can see the whole floor from under the basket. For him to give us an audio of what’s going on, when you can’t see it (coming), helps tremendously.”

But as Tyson tries to lead the team, at 27, he knows he still has a lot to learn. No. 6 feels like he picks up something new every day from coach Larry Brown:

“This is going on my ninth year (in the NBA), and he’s already teaching me things I never learned,” Chandler said

“I’d catch the ball and just drive. He’ll stop me when I’m running around the lane and say, ‘Hey, establish a pivot foot, so you can drive off that. And when you finish, use your fingertips.’

“I’ll do something (sloppy) that still makes the shot and he’ll say, ‘No! No! No! Do it the right way every time.”

As he teaches and learns, Tyson’s goal remains steadfast: to have the type of impact he had in New Orleans and help the Bobcats become a playoff team just as the Hornets did.

“This was a team that was on the bubble, a few games out of the playoffs,” Chandler described. “I feel I can get this team over that hump and into the playoffs.”

FRIENDS AND FAMILY
TC turned 27 last Friday and to celebrate he was serenaded by his teammates.

He also mentioned that being in Charlotte has more perks than just getting a fresh start with a new team, as noted by Bonnell in the Charlotte Observer.

“Chandler said one of the benefits of becoming a Bobcat is the chance to finally watch his sister play basketball. Erica Chandler is a 6-4 center at Ardrey Kell High who accepted a scholarship offer from George Washington.”

RELATED STORIES
Chandler on the mend with new orthotics (Charlotte Observer, October 6, 2009)
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Chandler gives Bobcats a strong voice in the middle (Charlotte Observer, September 28 2009)
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/bobcats/story/974841.html
Chandler and Diaw will start preseason by sitting (Charlotte Observer, September 30, 2009)
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/bobcats/story/978648.html
Athletic Bobcats want to become a running team (USAToday.com, September 30, 2009)
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2009-09-30-2214019861_x.ht...
Brown a fan of versatile Graham (Charlotte Observer, October 2, 2009)
http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/basketball/story/123851.html

SI Shows Love for Ty

David Neiman — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:54:33 -0400

As Tyson Chandler continues his rehab from surgery this summer to repair his ankle, positive energy is starting to fill the air around him and his new team, the Charlotte Bobcats.

In a recent article for Sports Illustrated, NBA Insider Britt Robson evaluates Charlotte’s trade for Tyson and his looming return from injury to once again be a force at the center position.

“In exchange for Emeka Okafor, the Bobcats received a top five defensive center entering the chronological prime of his career. He’s highly motivated both to embarrass his former franchise and boost his value with free agency approaching (he has a $12.7 million player option in 2010-11, the last year of his deal). His new head coach and the rest of his new starting front line should be perfect complements for his skill set.”

TC working out with his new team, the Charlotte Bobcats (Bobcats.com).

Robson notes that TC is ready to put all the things that clouded last season behind him and focus on becoming a dominant force in the paint once again. He quotes Ty on the subject:

“You can block a lot of shots and still be a bad defender; a good defender gets consistent stops,” Tyson said. “I make people miss by studying tendencies, not just my man but what the point guard likes to do and what the other team likes to do in crunch time. I can use the angles and the anticipation I have from that and talk to these guys, let them know what I see and that I’m behind them. That will let them use their quickness as a mismatch the other way. One reason I am making sure I’m healthy this season is that the coaches have told me I’ll run harder than any year in my career.”

Tyson also feels comfortable in the system of Bobcats coach Larry Brown who has had plenty of success with centers like Tyson in the past, as quoted by Robson:

“He creates opportunities for guys like myself, who have quick hands and feet and like to roam,” Chandler said of Brown. “His system also funnels the [opponent] to the best defensive player on the team, toward the anchor.”

GETTING A FEEL FOR FELTON
At the Charlotte Observer, Bobcats writer Rick Bonnell took in some pre camp drills with the Cats last week and noted that while Ty hasn’t played in pick-up games, he has been working with his teammates:

“Center Tyson Chandler isn’t playing yet, looking to protect his injured ankle. I’m told that’s just a precaution, that he’ll be ready for training camp. And Chandler is already working between games with Raymond Felton, to establish some synergy in the screen-and-roll.”

The Bobcats open the preseason on Tuesday, October 6 in Cleveland. Just 22 days later, the regular season begins when the Cats travel to Boston to take on the Celtics.

To view the entire Bobcats schedule, click here.

RELATED STORIES
Tyson Chandler poised for rebound year with Charlotte Bobcats (SI.com, September 23, 2009)
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/britt_robson/09/23/chandle...
Charlotte Bobcats 2009-2010 schedule (Bobcats.com)
http://www.nba.com/bobcats/schedule/
Bobcats got next as camp nears (Charlotte Observer, September 18, 2009)
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/bobcats/story/954594.html

Everything Feels Good

David Neiman — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:07:49 -0400

The summer is winding to a close and, for Tyson Chandler, that means he's that much closer to NBA basketball again.

After frustrating 2008-2009 season, Tyson is excited for a fresh start and the 2009-2010 season, his first in Charlotte as a Bobcat, offers him that opportunity.

NBA.com’s Scott Howard Cooper caught up with TC recently and wrote about Ty’s move to Charlotte:

“I’m excited. I’m very excited,” Tyson said. “First of all, I’m excited to play under coach [Larry] Brown. I had a chance to talk to him and I’m excited that he respects my game as much as he does. I’m excited to learn. I’m excited to play with a lot of young players. I feel like I’ve got an opportunity to get there and take ‘em over the hump and really make a playoff push.”

TC is also hungry for the challenge of helping the Bobcats reach the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, as Cooper writes:

“Training camp can’t get here quick enough. It’s an opportunity to push the Bobcats into the postseason, it is also a chance to feel settled for the first time in about a year, and maybe even in seasons. Chicago 2005-06, New Orleans/Oklahoma City with the Hornets in 2006-07, New Orleans in 2007-08, and the soft ground of 2008-09.”

To read Cooper’s entire piece, in which Ty also speaks on leaving New Orleans behind and dealing with the trade winds that surrounded him all year, click here.

CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY
In the most recent post to his, widely popular blog, “Too Much Rod Benson,” NBA D-leaguer Rod Benson writes about a friend, Mike Fey, who is constantly mistaken for Tyson and gets plenty of special attention for it, it even got to the point where he had an ex-NBA player convinced.

“He once told me that he was in Vegas at a club, and a couple different guys came up to him and asked if he was Tyson. He kept saying no, but his boys started getting annoyed. Finally someone came up and before he could say no, his boy said, “Yeah, it is.”

That guy then left and started telling everyone in the club that Tyson Chandler was in the building. Pretty soon, Mike was getting flooded with autograph requests (which I assume he fulfilled considering the fact that he didn’t want to be a jerk or make Tyson look like one). Then, true story, Chris Webber gets word and comes up to Mike — err, umm, “Tyson” — and invites him into his booth. Then the DJ of the club says over the loudspeaker: “Hey, shout out to C-Webb and Tyson Chandler!”

Benson goes on to write that Fey eventually told C-Webb he wasn’t the real Tyson. But living in LA and looking like an NBA baller does have its benefits.

Check out Rod Benson’s contributions to noted NBA Blog, Ball Don’t Lie, and be the judge whether Mike Fey really does look like Tyson.

RELATED STORIES
Now healthy from head to toe, Bobcats’ Chandler thinks big (NBA.com, September 3, 2009)
http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/scott_howard_cooper/09/03/chandler...
More look-alike fun (Ball Don’t Lie, September 10, 2009)
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Too-much-Rod-Benson-...

Ty Weighs in on the Draft

David Neiman — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:31:40 -0400

No. 6 is moving from center to New Orleans Hornets general manager.

At least, that's what he's doing in the latest edition of ESPN the Magazine. Tyson joined a number of NBA players who were asked to decide their team's early draft picks -- hypothetically speaking, of course -- in the 2009 NBA Draft.

New Orleans has the 21st draft pick. Tyson chose: Earl Clark, a guard/forward from Louisville:

"Earl's length and energy will help us on both ends of the floor. I think he'll fit in, because we lack an explosive wing who can start a fast break," says center Tyson Chandler. "You know, I almost went with B.J. Mullens, the center from Ohio State, but I feel like we can pick up a big in free agency."

RELATED STORIES
NBA players pick for their teams (ESPN the Magazine, June 29, 2009)
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2009/insider/news/story?id=4280631

Two Matches for Jasmina

David Neiman — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:10:09 -0400

After months of searching, two near perfect donor matches for six year-old leukemia patient Jasmina Anema have been found.

Tyson wants to thank everyone who participated in the donor drives for Jasmina for all of their help. A story from the New York Daily News follows:

There's finally hope for little Jasmina.

After thousands of people flooded bone-marrow donor drives, a pair of near-perfect matches have been found for the 6-year-old leukemia victim who has captivated the city.

The incredible news came just a day after test results showed Jasmina Anema's cancer cells to be in remission, clearing a critical hurdle in her quest to receive a life-saving marrow transplant.

"I am just thrilled," Theodora Anema, Jasmina's mother said Tuesday. "I've never lost hope. I always expected a miracle, and this is like finding a miracle."

Jasmina, who has been hospitalized since January with a rare and especially deadly form of leukemia, will undergo another bone marrow test tomorrow.

If her cancer cells are once again undetectable and either of the donors pass a medical screening, prepping for her transplant will likely begin in a few weeks.

"I'm still a bit nervous, but it's never looked this good," Theodora Anema said.

The process is not without risk. The two potential donors, whose identities remain a mystery until a transplant is completed, are "nine out of 10" donor matches.

Since neither is a perfect match, there is an increased possibility that Jasmina's body might reject the foreign bone marrow.

Still, Jasmina and her loved ones have reason to be optimistic.

"Jasmina has been like a miracle girl," said Katharina Harf, co-founder of DKMS, an international bone-marrow donor organization.

"She has been through six different rounds of chemotherapy, and all of the doctors can't believe that she's doing so well clinically. If someone has a good chance of making it, it's Jasmina."

A coterie of celebrities, moved by Jasmina's plight, have rallied around her since she was diagnosed with NK-cell leukemia on Jan. 20.

Singers Rihanna and Kelly Rowland have visited her at NYU Langone Medical Center, playing for hours with the bubbly Manhattan kindergartner. The Naked Brothers, Nat and Alex Wolff, have also surprised Jasmina inside the hospital room that's become her home.

And NBA stars Paul Pierce and Chris Wilcox have made public pleas for people to register as donors.

"The support has been amazing," Theodora Anema said.

After Jasmina's condition was chronicled in the Daily News, more than 7,000 New Yorkers registered to be bone-marrow donors in the hope they could be her genetic savior.

Finding a match for Jasmina has been especially difficult because she does not have full siblings, and African-Americans are vastly underrepresented in the donor registry.

The monstrous turnouts at Jasmina's drives have already produced results.

A registration drive at Jasmina's school, Public School 41, in March led to the discovery of a perfect match for a 38-year-old man in need of a bone-marrow donor.

"She already saved a life," Theodora Anema said.

Now, it's Jasmina's turn.

RELATED STORIES
Bone-marrow donor drives finally yield 2 matches for Jasmina Anema (NY Daily News, May 6, 2009)
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/05/06/2009-05-06_bonemarrow_don...

2008-09 in Review

David Neiman — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:16:20 -0400

For Tyson, it was a year that began with the highest of expectations, and ended in all-too sobering fashion.

STAT OF THE UNION
Through a frustrating season, the Big Easy managed to double up in one third of the 45 games he played. His 15 double doubles still ranked in the Top 50 in the league despite only playing half of the games that the leaders played, and being hampered by injuries that never allowed him to gain any kind of a lasting rhythm. Tyson’s blocks per game percentage also increased this season as he swatted 56 shots in 45 games.

When healthy, TC was a force to be reckoned with in 2008-09 (Getty Images).

GAME OF THE YEAR
On February 25, one game after returning from his first month long absence due to his left ankle sprain, the Big Easy showed what kind of player he is when healthy.

Facing his high school teammate, Tayshaun Prince, Ty had his best game of the season, scoring 10 points and pulling down a season-high 17 boards, seven on the offensive glass, in the Hornets' 90-87 win.

After the game, Ty was proud to show off his battle scars:

“I’ve got scratches and bruises and bleeding; it was a tough win,” Chandler said. “Any time you play against the Detroit Pistons, you know what kind of game it’s going to be.”

PRAISE FROM HIS COACH
Forced to do without his star center for much of the year, New Orleans coach Byron Scott was all-too aware of Tyson's value to the team.

“We’re a better defensive team and a better rebounding team with him in there. He’s our best communicator, one of our best help defenders and our best post defender. So yeah, when he’s out, we miss a lot.”

IN HIS OWN WORDS
Tyson, speaking in his blog on April 15th, put the year into perspective.

“It’s been so frustrating to sit there and have to watch my team battle and me not be a part of that. Especially because I’m really vocal on the court and I may seem emotional to those watching, the tough part is really trying to keep my mouth shut and help the guys. Being confident. I’m the type of person who wants to try and motivate my teammates, but it’s a situation where I don’t want to say anything because I’m sitting on the sidelines. If your teammates are out there in a fight and you’re on the sidelines, you can’t be barking out instructions because you’re not involved. That’s been really tough for me.”

AS SEEN BY…
Here's how Tyson was seen by his peers, coaches and the media.

“Tyson Chandler is pretty damn fast. C.P. threw a lead pass off a steal that looked like it was headed out of bounds, Ty galloped upcourt to track it down, gather it in and finish with a reverse layup. Some kinda Olympic event with non-Olympic athletes is in order, just like they used to do that Foot Locker Dunk Contest (who remembers Deion, Mike Conley Sr., Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Sanders in that?) back in the day.” – Aggrey Sam, Slam Magazine

“That was the Tyson Chandler I know. “That’s what he did all last year. Tyson has been injured and trying to find himself. When he plays like that, he’s unstoppable.” – Chris Paul after Ty’s 14 points, 12 boards and tough defense on Yao Ming led New Orleans to a win over the Rockets on December 26.

“He’s the cornerstone to your defense. He’ll block shots. He’ll rebound. He’s very athletic. He’s been working on his post-up game. – Oklahoma City Thunder guard Chucky Atkins

“Everybody always talks about how much better I made him but he made me a much better player. He instilled so much confidence in me.” – Chris Paul

NUMEROLOGY
Tyson's season by the numbers

1.2 Blocks per game by TC this season, up a tenth from last season.
8.8 Points per game for No. 6, still the fourth best total of his career
15 Double doubles by The Big Easy this season
18 Hornets regular season losses without Tyson
19 Double-digit rebound games for Tyson in 08-09.
31 Hornets wins with Tyson in the lineup, including one playoff win
49 Games played this season, including the playoffs; an injury-plagued year for TC

Without Tyson, the Season Ends

David Neiman — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:50:18 -0400

A frustrating season came to an end on Wednesday night.

Ty was ruled out before the game and watched from the bench as the New Orleans Hornets tried to give it a go without him. But their best efforts weren’t enough, and the Denver Nuggets finished off the opening round of the Western Conference playoffs with a 107-86 win.

Hornets coach Byron Scot spoke about the decision to hold TC out prior to the game, as quoted by the Denver Post:

“Obviously, it hurts us,” Scott said, “but each game he just got a little worse and we knew before the series started that the ankle wasn’t 100 percent and each game it would get worse. Talking to him, it was a decision to shut him down, just for his health.”

Visit TysonChandler.com on Friday for a look back at the Big Easy’s 2008-2009 season.

RELATED STORIES
Game 5 Recap: Nuggets 107, Hornets 86 (The Big Easy Buzz Blog, April 30, 2009)
http://neworleanshornetsblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/game-5-recap-nuggets-1...
Hornet unable to offer his help (The Denver Post, April 29, 2009)
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_12259023
New Orleans Hornets eliminated in five games by Denver Nuggets (The Times-Picayune, April 30, 2009)
http://blog.nola.com/hornetsbeat/2009/04/new_orleans_hornets_eliminated....
Chandler sidelined for Game 5 on Wednesday night (The Associated Press, April 29, 2009)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iwOJOMcBy7vK7HW3zaXmFM...

Playing on Guts

David Neiman — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:26:33 -0400

Tyson and the Hornets will look to keep their season alive tonight.

After an embarrassing loss in Game 4 at New Orleans Arena, Game 5 shifts back to Denver, where the Hornets are 1-3 this season, including losses in the first two games of this series. But despite a 58-point loss on Monday night, Tyson doesn’t plan to give up. As he told the Times-Picayune:

“We always had the same attitude,” Chandler said earlier this week. “Even when we lost the two games, James Posey came in the locker room and said, ‘Don’t quit, keep fighting.’ We know we have to continue to fight.”

The Big Easy was held scoreless in the 13 minutes he played on Monday. He had two boards and was whistled for four fouls. At the same time, his ankle injury isn’t get any better and is completely limiting the big man’s game, as coach Byron Scott noted:

“From a physical standpoint, Tyson is just playing on pure guts,” New Orleans Coach Byron Scott said. “But we’re not going to use that as an excuse. Everybody who puts on the uniform is ready to play.”

Ty is averaging 3.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and less than 24 minutes per game.

Game 5 of the best-of-seven series tips off at 7:30 PST tonight and all the action can be seen on TNT.

RELATED STORIES
Chandler’s lack of production a sore subject (The Denver Post, April 29, 2009)
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_12249875
Hornets center Chandler can’t get it going vs. Denver Nuggets (The Times-Picayune, April 29, 2009)
http://blog.nola.com/hornetsbeat/2009/04/hornets_center_chandler_cant_g....

Looking to Tie It Up

David Neiman — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:46:52 -0400

Behind 0-2 in their best-of-seven series, Ty and the Hornets needed a cure for what ailed them.

Ty and the Hornets gave fans something to clap about on Saturday (Getty Images).

They found it Saturday afternoon at New Orleans Arena, holding on to defeat the Denver Nuggets, 95-93.

“In the NBA, some teams are road teams and some are home teams,” Tyson told the Denver Post. “We play very well at home.”

Early and constant foul trouble doomed TC to just 18, minutes, two points, and three boards and The Big Easy fouled out of the game altogether with 4:39 left in the game.

But the Hornets managed to pull out the victory and afterwards, Tyson explained his own performance, as quoted by New Orleans Channel 2:

“The way I’ve been able to practice and the way I’ve been able to move, I know I’m not going to be myself,” Chandler said. “Sean [Marks] deserved to be on the floor more than me, so I was just trying to make my presence felt while I was out there. He played great. He was huge for us. He played excellent at a time where we really needed it.”

CP TAKES OVER
With his teammates fending off foul calls left and right, Chris Paul took over the game, scoring 32 points to lead the Bees to victory. After Sunday’s practice, TC complimented the one and only CP3, as quoted by The Canadian Press:

“It’s the playoffs. There’s nothing to save and Chris is such a passionate player, he wants to be out there…It’s like you almost have to peal him off the court. He does a good job of letting coaches know when he’s really gassed so he can get a breather and get back out there.”

Despite playing nearly 46 minutes on Saturday, Paul picked up only one foul. The only other player with less than two was backup guard Antonio Daniels, who played less than 15 minutes.

GETTING RILED UP
Though picking up early fouls isn’t something to be celebrated, it’s hard to blame Ty for being aggressive and a few of the calls could have gone either way. That’s the way things go in the playoffs. In the Denver Post, TC was quoted about being a presence on the floor, despite his injury:

“I can’t cut the way I want to,” Chandler said. “I can’t sprint the way I want to. I can’t even jump the way I want to. My timing is off. But the thing I can do is just make my presence felt out there.”

No. 6 got in the face and all over both Carmello Anthony and Dahntay Jones during the game, not to mention his ongoing war with Nene, but in Game 3 the refs were calling the game so that that any misstep went for a foul.

In total, Tyson was one of four players to foul out and the teams combined for an unbelievable 58 fouls. That being said, if Tyson wants to be on the floor, he’ll need to be more careful come Game 4 tonight. As Jim Eichenhofer noted after game, the foul trouble was the only thing that kept Ty off the floor:

“He said after the game that his ankle felt about the same today as it did in Game 2, so no change there. His minutes were limited today based on foul trouble, but Chandler said he could’ve played 30 to 35 minutes were it not for the fouls.”

Game 4 tips off tonight at 5:30 PST and the action can be seen on CST in New Orleans or on NBA TV, where available.

TY UP YOUR DESKTOP
Talented graphic designer and Hornets enthusiast Dariuz Ejkiewicz is back at it with two more Tyson Chandler wallpapers that you can download here:

Check them out along with these words from Dariuz, posted on Hornets247.com:

The series is my present for all the die hard Hornets fans who always believe in the team. The ones that stay up all night and not always are in love with the best player but with the one that has the biggest heart for the game.

So if you are a person supporting what Sean Marks is doing then you can place his wallpaper on your desktop like you never did before. The Series took me a lot of time and were based on the idea of the wallpaper I did about Hilton Armstrong. The whole thing is a sum up of a great Hornets season that I have experienced this year, this sums up what I was able to accomplish with my works and a little dot in the hornets247.com rise to the top of the nba basketball blogging.   

I hope that my wallpapers and banners this year made the Hornet experience a bit more exciting for all you fans. Please let me know if you wish for the banners and wallpapers to be continued here next year. Thank you for all the kind words and the support, it makes this work worth while.

RELATED STORIES
Nuggets at Hornets Box Score (NBA.com, April 26, 2009)
http://www.nba.com/games/20090425/DENNOH/boxscore.html
Hornets 2008-2009 Wallpaper series (Hornets247.com, April 25, 2009)
http://www.hornets247.com/blog/2009/04/25/hornets-200809-wallpaper-serie...
Game 3 recap: Hornets 95, Nuggets 93 (Big Easy Buzz Blog, April 26, 2009)
http://neworleanshornetsblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/game-3-recap-hornets-9...
Karl’s Nuggets respond to challenges (Denver Post, April 25, 2009)
http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_12213924
Hornets riding hot hand of Chris Paul as far as he can go (The Canadian Press, April 26, 2009)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5iXEuP0som-1...
Hornets aim to keep momentum going vs. Nuggets (2theadvocate.com, April 27, 2009)
http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/hornets/43762552.html
Bruised elbow won’t stop Carmello (Denver Post, April 27, 2009)
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_12234570

Headed Back to the Hive

David Neiman — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:45:18 -0400

No. 6 grabbed 11 boards and converted three Crescent City Connections on Wednesday night, but it wasn't enough to save New Orleans.

With little going right on offense, the Bees also couldn’t stifle the Denver shooters, and New Orleans fell into a 0-2 hole with a 108-93 loss Game 2 loss in the Western Conference's opening round.

Tyson battling the Denver's Nene, who went 4-13 in Game 2 (Getty Images).

The series now heads back to NOLA, with the Hornets looking to defend their home court as the Nuggets did the last two games. Byron Scott said after the game, that’s all the Hornets need to worry about right now, as quoted by the Times-Picayune:

“All they did was take care of home. That’s the bottom line. Our objective was to come here and win a game and we didn’t get it done. They took care of home so we’ve got to go back home and do the same thing. We play better in New Orleans, there’s no doubt about that. Our fans have been fantastic all season long. Again, it’s a challenge and we’re looking forward to it.”

CCC A WORK IN PROGRESS
Though they worked together for three thunderous throwdowns on Wednesday night, Chris Paul and TC are understandably a little rusty in converting their signature play. There were at least three more opportunities for connections, but whether it was because of Ty’s lack of lift off his ankle, or uncharacteristically poor passes by Paul, the two just weren’t on the same page, as noted by CP to the Times-Picayune:

“There were a few times you get in the lane and guys get a hand on it, but like Coach said, we turned the ball over too much. I think I turned it over five times. I threw two lobs to Tyson too high, threw one behind him, and that stuff comes back to bite us especially when they score in transition.”

The few they did connect on however, were rim-rockers to say the least.

The first CCC came four minutes into the game with the Nuggets ahead 8-6. CP cut through the lane with dribble penetration, drawing three defenders his way, including Nene off of Ty. Just when it looked like Paul was going to take a contested driving layup, CP lobbed it up over the basket to TC who slammed it down with serious authority to tie the score.

They did it again at the one-minute mark to go in the half, with Tyson setting the pick, then rolling right to the basket to flush it home. The bucket brought the Hornets within eight.

The keys to the play were a strong bob and weave from CP to draw an extra defender and a running start for Ty so that he could plant and leap off his other ankle. When he was allowed to do this, No. 6 looked like his old self, flying over the rim and coming down to rock the house.

NO NO, NENE
The tussling between Tyson and Nuggets center Nene Hilario nearly came to a head on Tuesday night, when Nene took exception to a hard foul by the Big Easy.

The foul came after Anthony Carter led the Brazilian center with a perfect bounce pass, left defenseless by the pass, No. 6 went for a swat at Nene’s layup, but instead, ended up getting a piece of the Nuggets center and stumbling out of bounds.

When Ty got up, words were exchanged and TC gave Nene a small shove. The two then came face-to-face in a stare down before being separated by referees and teammates. Both players were issued a technical foul for the skirmish.

Nene’s frustration could be attributed to the fact that TC wasn’t giving him much to work with. Despite being hobbled by the ankle and being unable to jump all that much. TC was able to effectively limit the big man’s output.

Nene finished with eight points on just 4-13 shooting. Tyson was able to hold the Brazilian in check by getting a hand in his face enough to disturb his shot and limiting his mobility around the basket. This allowed other players, like David West, to reject his shots.

But despite strong interior D, defensive rebounding was lacking for much of the game and the Nuggets used second chance opportunities to their advantage.

THE ANKLE IS ‘ALL RIGHT’
Ty was limping all over the floor in the fourth quarter, especially after landing awkwardly trying to defend a Chris Anderson shot at the 4:35 mark. Byron Scott noticed and got TC out of the game moments later, as quoted in the Times-Picayune:

“Toward the end of the game he was limping a little bit, that’s why I tried to get him out,” coach Byron Scott said. “We’ve got a couple of days for him to heal and rest and get some treatment. I think he’ll be fine for Saturday.”

During the game TNT’s Marc Fein relayed the following note:

“It will be interesting to watch how his foot holds up throughout the day. Right after game one he was sitting with both feet in ice. I asked him how his foot was during the game and he said he just couldn’t move off the pick and rolls, couldn’t rotate on defense as well. When I asked him at practice about it yesterday, he said “I’ve just got to keep the swelling down.”

Tyson’s analysis of his condition to reporters after Wednesday’s loss was shorter and simpler:

“I’m all right. You’re going to get banged up in these types of games, but I’m all right.”

NEXT UP
The Hornets are now in a must win situation in Game 3. The tilt is slated for a Saturday matinee at the Hive. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 a.m. PST and all the action can be seen live, nationwide on ESPN.

RELATED STORIES
The Nuggets beat the Hornets (Hornets247.com, April 23, 2009)
http://www.hornets247.com/blog/2009/04/23/game-2-the-nuggets-beat-the-ho...
Hornets at Nuggets Box Score (NBA.com, April 22, 2009)
http://www.nba.com/games/20090422/NOHDEN/gameinfo.html
Hornets.com postgame: Nuggets 108, Hornets 93 (The Big Easy Buzz Blog, April 23, 2009)
http://neworleanshornetsblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/hornetscom-postgame-nu...
From the Hornets locker room: Game 2: New Orleans vs. Denver (The Times-Picayune, April 23, 2009)
http://blog.nola.com/hornetsbeat/2009/04/from_the_locker_room_game_2_ho....

The Mission: Even the Score

David Neiman — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:09:33 -0400

With a win tonight, the Hornets can not only even their first round playoff series, but steal home court advantage away from the Denver Nuggets as the series heads for New Orleans.

The Hornets were blown out of the water in the first game, suffering a 113-84 loss at the hands of the hot-shooting Nuggets, but over the last two days, the Hornets have studied tape to tighten the gap between the two teams and the consensus is, if they can take tonight’s game, Game 1 won’t matter a bit, as quoted in the Times-Picayune:

“I don’t know if (the schedule) benefits one team or the other; I think it just gives us more time to prepare,” Hornets coach Byron Scott said. “In that essence, maybe it does benefit us a little more. We saw a lot of things on the tape that we feel we can take advantage of, and we saw a lot of things on both ends of the floor we can do a lot better.

“Having a couple of days to prepare for it obviously helps us. It gives up a little more time to rest and get healthier for Tyson and guys like that. Hopefully, that will show up (tonight).”

Tyson scored six points in game one and had five boards, but only took two shots.

John Reid of the Times-Picayune doesn’t believe the Hornets can expect to win with those types of numbers from TC.

I thought Tyson Chandler played conservative and wasn’t aggressive as he normally is. Because of his inflamed left ankle, it still doesn’t get the lift yet. The Hornets cannot win with him taking only two shots and grabbing five rebounds.

Coach Scott has pinpointed the rebounding as a key for the Hornets, and he’s encouraged both Ty and David West to step it up, as quoted in the Times-Picayune:

“We watched the tape the other day. And that was an emphasis coming into the series, but a shot goes up, and in one instance they had Nene down there, and we had David (West) and Tyson down there, and he gets the ball. Can’t happen. That’s just effort. They outworked us on the board. That’s something we’ve got to take care of.”

New Orleans and Denver tip-off from the Mile High City at 7:30 PST and all the action can be seen live on TNT.

THE ROAD NO LONGER TRAVELED
J.A. Adande posted a piece for ESPN.com last week regarding the proliferation of high school to the pros players in the playoffs this year.

Tyson is one of several high school players currently starting in the postseason and he was quoted in the article:

Kevin Garnett, appropriately, occupies the throne right now. He wasn’t the first to go from preps to the pros—Moses Malone, Darryl Dawkins and Bill Willoughby did it in the 1970s—but he ushered in the modern era and has been at it long enough that the league now is stocked with players who patterned themselves after him and Bryant.

“Those guys really carried the torch for all of the guys who followed,” said Hornets center Tyson Chandler, who entered the draft from Dominguez High School in Compton, Calif., in 2001. “I had a Kevin Garnett poster on my wall in high school, because that’s all I wanted to do.”

TWEETS FROM DENVER
Tyson has had a couple of funny tweets from the road in the past 24 hours, including this classic:

I just saw a homeless dude with a help sign felt bad.. Then I saw him checking his cell phone behind the sign

RELATED STORIES
New Orleans Hornets to face Denver Nuggets in Game 2 (The Times-Picayune, April 22, 2009)
http://blog.nola.com/hornetsbeat/2009/04/new_orleans_hornets_to_face_de....
Hornets vs. Nuggets Wednesday News Wrap (Hornets247.com, April 22, 2009)
http://www.hornets247.com/blog/2009/04/22/hornets-vs-nuggets-wednesday-n...
New Orleans Hornets Monday Chat (The Times-Picayune, April 20, 2009)
http://blog.nola.com/hornetsbeat/2009/04/new_orleans_hornets_live_chat_1...
High School to NBA players take center stage (ESPN.com, April 17, 2009)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=adande_ja&page=hig...

Ty, Hornets Fall to Hot-Shooting Nuggets

David Neiman — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:12:00 -0400

The bad news Sunday night was that New Orleans got blown out.

The good news: the Big Easy played 27 minutes, including the entire third quarter after a long halftime -- a definite positive as his balky left ankle withstood the test of the mile-high elements and the physical Nuggets.

A tough start, but the ankle held up (Getty Images).

After the game, Ty noted to reporters that he’s putting the injury out of his mind to the best of his ability, as quoted by the Times-Picayune:

“I feel OK. I told myself that I’m going to play and I’m not going to worry about it (inflamed left ankle). When I get out there, I’m not going to make excuses. I’ve just got to deal with it because it’s not going to go away.’‘

No. 6 scored six points on 2-2 shooting and 2-2 from the line. TC also pulled down five boards, but the Hornets had no answer for Chauncey Billups, who drained eight of nine threes, as the Nuggets knocked off the Hornets 113-84, to take a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series.

“The difference between them and us is that they had great movement. They got into their sets and executed well,” Ty told the Times-Picayune. “Chauncey Billups’ 3-point shots took the breath out of you every time. I think that’s what give them the edge and made them more physical.”

The loss will be a tough one for New Orleans to swallow, but with the experience of last year’s playoff run fresh in their minds, Tyson thinks the team knows not to overreact to one game, as quoted by the Times-Picayune:

“You’ve got to have patience in the playoffs. (Last season, the Spurs) took care of their home floor and got the win that they needed (in New Orleans).”

PRESENCE FELT
Tyson got involved in Sunday night’s game from the get-go, securing the first rebound of the game and putting pressure in the face of Nuggets center Nene Hilario. He even recorded a steal when he picked off a Carmello Anthony pass. The theft led directly to a David West jumper that gave New Orleans a 6-5 lead.

Minutes later, TC got his first bucket on a Hornets fastbreak.

Outmanned 5-2 on his side of the floor, it seemed as though Chris Paul would try to slow things down, but he fooled the defenders into relaxing, then fed the ball into the paint, to Tyson, the only other Hornet at the offensive end. The other four defenders stood in place and watched as the Big Easy gained position on Nene and made contact as he tossed up a modified right-handed hook, off the glass and in.

The bucket gave NOLA a 10-8 lead. Tyson would check out a few moments later after picking up a foul on Nene. When he exited, the score was tied at 13.

PICK-ING THEM UP AND KNOCKING THEM DOWN
One more thing the Hornets missed when Tyson was out was the thunderous picks that the Big Easy sets, allowing his teammates to find open lanes and leaving his opponents dazed and confused.

No. 6 set several hard picks on Sunday allowing CP to cut through lanes for short jumpers.

And though the pick isn’t the most thrilling play in the game, Ty drew some oooh’s and ahhh’s from the opposing crowd when a third quarter pick on Carmello Anthony stopped the All-Star forward in his path and even knocked him down to one knee.

Carmello seemed to take offense to the har, but legal, pick and tried to return the favor a few minutes later. But Melo’s moving screen was whistled as a foul. TC went to the line and knocked down both free throws. The tension between Carmello and Tyson could be something to watch throughout the series.

Tyson’s picks seemed to impede the Nuggets to a degree, but the Hornets couldn’t get the roll half of the pick n’ roll working and missed several open buckets off the screens.

CCC MISSES THE MARK
Tyson converted only one alley-oop in the game and it wasn’t off a direct Chris Paul feed, although CP helped create it.

With the Hornets trailing by eight early in the third, CP drew in Nene to take two defenders leaving Tyson open. Surrounded, CP flipped the ball to D-West as Ty roamed toward the bucket, West floated a perfect alley over the bucket and TC finished with an emphatic slam.

The Hornets went for another alley-oop less than a minute later but the timing was off on both the pass and the dunk, The ball ended up in the net, but the refs ruled that TC held on to the rim for too long and the basket was disallowed.

BATTLE ON THE BOARDS
Of Ty’s five boards, two came on the offensive glass as the Big Easy tussled with Nene for rebounds. The Nuggets worked hard to box No. 6 out on several rebound opportunities.

The chipiness between the two big men could be another point of emphasis for the rest of the series as well.

Hornets.com’s Jim Eichenhofer supplied a short analysis on Tyson’s performance on the Big Easy Buzz Blog:

“His stats didn’t wow you but in the first half he kept balls alive on the boards and generally provided the activity in the paint that the Hornets often lack without him available.”

LOOSE TY-ES
The Big Easy checked out of the game with 8:42 to go and the Hornets trailing by 26…The Nuggets put the game away with a 21-0 run form the 2:19 mark of the third to the 8:33 mark of the fourth…With five rebounds on Sunday, Ty left himself two rebounds short of 400 this year…The last time Tyson shot 100 percent from the field and the free throw line was January 19 against Indiana, the game in which he injured the ankle that plagues him to this day.

NEXT UP
The Hornets look to get back on track and knot the series at one, this Wednesday night, when they take on the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of the best of seven series. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PST and all the action can be seen live on TNT.

RELATED STORIES
New Orleans Hornets at Denver Nuggets Box Score (ESPN.com, April 19, 2009)
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I’m picking the Denver Nuggets in six over the Hornets (The Times-Picayune, April 19, 2009)
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Game 1 recap: Nuggets 113, Hornets 84 (Big Easy Buzz Blog, April 20, 2009)
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New Orleans Hornets quotes from Game 1 (The Times-Picayune, April 20, 2009)
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Denver Nuggets blast New Orleans Hornets 113-84 (The Times-Picayune, April 20, 2009)
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Rocky Mountain Bound

David Neiman — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 02:43:20 -0400

This Sunday, Tyson and his Hornets teammates embark on a mission.

Ever since last season’s heartbreaking loss to the San Antonio Spurs, the Hornets have worked to get back to the postseason and finish what they began. That started Sunday in Denver against the No. 2 seeded Nuggets.

Tyson worked all offseason to complete his game by adding a jump shot, to make his game, and in-turn the team, more well rounded. But unforeseen injuries cost No. 6 nearly half the season (37 games). It seemed every time the Big Easy was finding his rhythm, the ankle put him back on the sideline.

No. 6 stuffing former Denver Nuggets guard Allen Iverson in November 2007 (Getty Images).

Subsequently, New Orleans suffered without their big man, missing their goal of repeating as Southwest Division Champions and sliding into the playoffs as the seventh seed, without the benefit of Hive Court Advantage.

But the playoffs represent a new season for TC and company and a clean slate. Tyson believes that the Hornets have as good a chance as anyone and reading into their late season performance without key players is not wise, as quoted by the Sun-Herald:

“At the beginning of the year, they had us winning the championship,” Chandler said. “You lose a couple games and they have you out of the playoffs, they have you in the eighth seed. So if you start listening to that, I mean, you can forget about it. That stuff only counts in video games and stuff like that, fantasy sports.”

BREAKING DOWN DENVER
The Hornets have played four games against the Denver Nuggets this season, splitting them right down the middle. Each team won one game at the opponent’s court and one game at home. Tyson missed all four games.

The Nuggets, who ended up with the second best record in the West, will certainly give the Hornets their best shot in the seven game series.

“We put ourselves in this situation and we know we have to deal with it,” Chandler said of the Hornets’ seventh seeding, five slots lower than last year when the team won the Southwest Division and had home-court advantage in the first round. “Denver is a great team from top to bottom. We’re going to have to bring energy because they’ve got a full roster.”

Despite the tough seeding, Tyson believes the Nuggets and Hornets match up very evenly, as quoted in the Times-Picayune:

“We mirror each other when you look at the matchups,” said Chandler, who missed all four regular-season games between the teams. “We are very similar teams. They have a very deep team. They throw guys at you. I’m not sure how Coach (George Karl) is going to run their playoff roster, but they have a lot of guys on that roster who we are going to have to match their energy.”

TYSON’S ASSIGNMENT
No. 6 will match up in the series with Nuggets 6-11 center Nene Hilario, better known simply as Nene.

Nene averaged 14.6 points and 7.8 rebounds per games for the Nuggets this season. In particular against New Orleans, Nene fell below his season averages, with 36 points (12 ppg) and 14 rebounds (4.7 rpg).

Nene has not faced New Orleans with No. 6 in the lineup since November 4, 2007, a 93-88 Hornets win in Denver. Marcus Camby was the starting center for the Nuggets at the time. Tyson had 12 points and 17 rebounds in the win. Nene scored 12 points in 20 minutes off the bench.

John Reid of the Times-Picayune sees Nene as a good matchup for TC, as he noted in his most recent Hornets chat:

“Tyson Chandler will be able to handle Nene. The question is whether Nene will be able to limit Chandler’s rebounding ability. I don’t see Chandler have a high scoring series, but his rebounding will be key, along with his defensive play. ”

The Big Easy is also sure to see plenty of Kenyon Martin and Carmello Anthony in the post. Anthony finished tied for 7th in the NBA in scoring at 22.8 points per game with Ty’s teammate, Chris Paul.

HOW’S THE ANKLE?
As Tyson noted in his most recent blog, his ankle isn’t quite at 100 percent and probably won’t be until after the season, but he still plans to give it his all, as quoted in the Times-Picayune:

“That’s the reason why we’ve been holding off,” Chandler said. “That’s they reason why I haven’t played the regular-season games. This is just something we are going to have to deal with. That’s one of the things that I’m going to have to be a little aware of what I’m doing out there, how I’m jumping. I got to box out and let (teammates get some) rebounds, try not to do as much jumping around."

“It’s the playoffs, so I plan on being out there because it’s either being out there and giving my team a shot and a chance to win or not playing at all. And I’d rather be playing.”

WHERE AND WHEN
The Hornets and Nuggets tip off their best of seven series this Sunday at 7:30 PST on TNT. Here’s a look at the entire schedule:

Game 1: Sunday, April 19, 7:30 p.m. PST, at Denver, on TNT
Game 2: Wednesday, April 22, 7:30 p.m. PST, at Denver on TNT
Game 3: Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. PST, in New Orleans on ESPN
Game 4: Monday, April 27 in New Orleans
Game 5: Wednesday, April 29, in Denver, if necessary
Game 6: Friday, May 1, in New Orleans, if necessary
Game 7: Sunday, May 3, in Denver, if necessary

ARRIVED IN DENVER
Tyson added a little color to his trip to Denver, tweeting about it on www.twitter.com/tysonchandler:

In Denver driving in the snow.. Well the cab driver is driving in the snow

A PREDICTION
While many are picking against the underdog Hornets, there are several media members who have sided with the NOLA five, like ESPN True Hoop’s Henry Abbott:

“With a fairly healthy Tyson Chandler, they are a much better team than with no Tyson Chandler. Thanks to the majesty of Chris Paul, they have been OK without him, and now he’s coming back. No matchups are great for New Orleans, but they did get a team in the Nuggets that they have played well. The teams split their four games, even though Chandler didn’t play in any of them. The magic of almost knocking off the Spurs last year made a big impression on me.”

As always, stick with TysonChandler.com throughout the series for game previews and recaps.

RELATED STORIES
Effort in return has Chandler hopeful (The Times-Picayune, April 17, 2009)
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Hornets vs. Nuggets Friday news wrap (Hornets247.com, April 17, 2009)
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Hornets pin playoff hopes on improving health (The Sun-Herald, April 17, 2009)
http://www.sunherald.com/218/story/1278586.html
Hornets live chat at 11 a.m. (The Times-Picayune, April 17, 2009)
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Hornets see similarities in playoff foe Denver (The Times-Picayune, April 17, 2009)
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Back in Time

David Neiman — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:47:39 -0400

Tyson won't be back in the lineup when the Hornets take the floor in Houston tonight, but Wednesday in San Antonio is a distinct possibility.

The Times-Picayune had the latest report on the status of No. 6 in today’s edition:

Chandler has been sidelined for 14 consecutive games with an inflamed left ankle, but there were hopes for his return tonight at Houston. But Scott believes Chandler can be playoff ready by playing in the regular-season finale instead of taking the risk of playing two games in three days that could aggravate his ankle injury.

Scott met with Chandler on Saturday to discuss the appropriate return time.

“I’m optimistic that he will be fine for the playoffs,” Scott said. “I just really don’t want to chance him playing two games before the playoffs.”

Tyson has been cautious in returning after he was immobilized to help the injury heal. So he’s heeded his coach’s advice, but Ty wants to be in the fold come playoff time.

“It’s been tough sitting around watching,” Chandler said. “But in this situation, I have to kind of listen to him because I feel for the long run he is right. If I come back now and tweak it, it’s going to hurt the team.”

At the Hive, they know Tyson’s presence will make all the difference:

“Maybe this team turns it around with Tyson returning for the playoffs. It really isn’t that crazy an idea; Tyson has an amazing impact on defense and a considerable one on offense. This team could very well make a deep run with him patrolling the middle. One thing is for sure though. The Hornets will go as far as Chris Paul and David West and Tyson Chandler take them.”

MISSING LINK
The Hornets haven’t been the same on the glass in The Big Easy’s absence, making it ever so important that he play in the playoffs, as noted by hldomingue At the Hive after the Hornets 102-92 victory over Dallas on Sunday:

“The Hornets Offensive Rebounding. They had 14. We had 2. Tyson, please hurry back.”

At the Hive also made some interesting observation about the Hornets in Ty’s absence after a Friday loss to Dallas:

“I noticed something today that I’m stunned I hadn’t noticed before. The gameplan hasn’t changed one, single, tiny iota since Tyson Chandler left the lineup. We run the exact same plays with guys “pretending” to be Chandler. Hilton tries and fails miserably to set the same screens, Melvin Ely tries and fails miserably to roll hard to the hoop. I can’t even begin to describe how stupid this is. I mean, I’ve been seeing it happen for weeks; it just never fully registered in my brain. Byron Scott has not even attempted to alter his game strategy for Tyson’s loss. He’s refused to come up with new plays, even though it’s painfully obvious that Ely and Armstrong are no Chandler.

In fact, we even play defense the same way! Instead of Chandler waiting to block a shot though, it’s Hilton providing the defender with a three-point play. With Chandler, the Hornets’ defensive strategy was to funnel penetration towards the big. Without Chandler, the Hornets’ defensive strategy should be to meet penetration earlier in the drive using the forwards. It’s extraordinarily basic basketball. Yet nothing has changed.”

FACE TIME
No. 6 may have sat on the bench during the Hornets’ victory over Dallas yesterday, but at Hornets Hype, they believe the Big Easy made an impact anyway.

Tyson’s face was on the tickets to yesterday’s game and the win was the 7th with TC’s mug on it in 8 games:

“So, maybe, just maybe, this ticket somehow augurs some cosmic sense of causality, and even if it doesn’t decide the fate of our team per se, it might have a knowing read of the preordained outcome of the game and resultant the Western Conference standings. Or not. As you can see from the above, Tyson’s mere presence doesn’t guarantee a win, but it puts the odds in our favor. Believe it.”

Sounds like all playoff tickets should feature No. 6 on them.

WHERE THEY STAND
With two games remaining in the season, No. 6 and the Hornets sit in the Western Conference’s sixth spot. One win by New Orleans in their final two games would clinch that spot.

But there are other ways for the Hornets to secure the six seed: One loss by the Jazz in their final three will help the Hornets avoid a first round meeting with the Lakers.

Sunday’s win also put the Hornets a full game ahead of Dallas and gave them the tiebreaker, meaning one Dallas loss will guarantee the Hornets the sixth seed.

If the season ended today, the sixth seed would mean the Hornets would face the Spurs, but San Antonio, Portland and Houston have identical records, so plenty can change over the next three days.

Stay tuned.

RELATED STORIES
Game 79 High Five (At the Hive, April 10, 2009)
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So it is as it was (Hornets Hype, April 11, 2009)
http://hornetshype.com/wp/2009/04/11/so-it-is-as-it-was/
Game 80 Hive Live (At the Hive, April 12, 2009)
http://www.atthehive.com/2009/4/10/830327/game-79-hive-five
Tyson Chandler expected to return to court in regular season finale (The Times-Picayune, April 12, 2009)
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Monday in Houston?

David Neiman — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:39:22 -0400

With the playoffs just around the corner and the Hornets beginning to struggle again, No. 6 is getting antsy to get back out and help his team.

“At this point, regardless if I am ready or not, I want to play in the playoffs,” Ty told the Times-Picayune. “I need to start walking around, and I need to get a couple of games under my belt.”

According to the Times-Picayune’s report, the walking boot is off and No. 6 has targeted a week from today, in Houston, for his return to the court. That would give TC two games to prepare for the playoffs, as the Hornets close out their season a week from Wednesday in San Antonio.

Hornets coach Byron Scott is hopeful this timetable will work because he’d like to get a look at Tyson before the postseason, as quoted in the Times-Picayune:

“If he can play the last two or three games to get ready for the playoffs, I think that will probably be a fair assessment, ” Scott said. “It’s still very slow in healing. He’s under the assumption the last game or so, even if it’s not 100 percent, he wants to play.”

CINCH TO CLINCH
The Hornets, however would have to lose the rest of their games and have the Phoenix Suns win the rest of their games to miss the playoffs.

Despite those long odds, the Bees have lost four of their last seven games in Ty’s absence and have dropped to sixth place in the Western Conference standings, half a game ahead of Utah for 7th and 1.5 ahead of Dallas for the 8th spot.

If the season ended today, New Orleans would have a first round date with the team that knocked them from the postseason last year, the San Antonio Spurs.

Scott is confident that, given their full compliment of players, the Hornets can beat any team they come across, as quoted by the AP:

“I’m pretty comfortable if I’ve got my starting unit together and I know how they can play, I’m pretty comfortable that we can beat anybody in the West,” Scott said. “But I would love to have them together a little bit sooner so we can go into the playoffs on a high note. That’s going to be I think pretty important.”

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A Time to Heal Up

David Neiman — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:44:30 -0400

The Hornets announced this morning that No. 6 will miss the next seven to 14 days to immobilize his inflamed right ankle.

According to the Times-Picayune, Ty is not with the team for tonight’s matchup at Madison Square Garden in New York City and will begin rehab soon:

“The Hornets announced Friday morning that Chandler will immediately began rehabilitation after the seven- to 14- day period and the team will be giving updates on a needed basis. Chandler is expected to return before the Hornets end the regular season on April 15 against San Antonio.”

New Orleans plays nine games in he next 14 days. The Big Easy has already missed 26 games this season and the majority have been due to the same ankle injury. He has missed the last four games with inflammation after playing 12 consecutive contests. The Hornets are 30-14 when No. 6 plays and 14-12 when he’s out.

ENJOY VINTAGE TY
Though today’s news about Tyson’s ankle injury isn’t good. You can enjoy the best of The Big Easy with this highlight film.*

RELATED STORIES
Hornets center Tyson Chandler expected to miss next seven to 14 days (Times-Picayune, March 27, 2009)
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*If you clicked, Tyson has just Rickroll’d you.

Hornets Fall Without No. 6

David Neiman — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:03:48 -0400

The Hornets were without the Big Easy for their fourth straight game on Wednesday

But unlike the last three games, they could not pull out a victory in his stead.

Tyson was ruled out just before tip-off and sat on the bench for the loss to Denver after pregame treatment didn’t do enough to get him ready. Byron Scott spoke about the treatment prior to the game, as quoted on the Big Easy Buzz Blog:

“He did a little work after practice (Tuesday). (Trainer) Terry (Kofler) tried giving him an ankle brace, then taking his orthotics out, a few different things to try to relieve some of the pressure on (his left ankle). Now it just comes down to whether he’s ready to play. If not, we’ve got to go with (the players) we’ve got.”

As Marcus Carmouche of the Times-Picayune reported in his first quarter update at NOLA .com, the Hornets were in dire straits without Ty:

“The Hornets sorely missed Stojakovic and Chandler. The early part of the quarter exposed the team’s biggest weaknesses without them in the lineup as New Orleans trailed 19-14 with 3:30 remaining."

"Wright, who’s starting in place of Stojakovic, struggled. The Nuggets focused their attention on stopping Paul and West and are doubling off Wright, who, unlike Stojakovic, doesn’t have the jumper to keep Denver’s defense honest. Wright missed four of his first five attempts from the field and picked up two fouls guarding Anthony, who has torched him for six points."

"Meanwhile, the Nuggets have set up camp near the rim without the presence of Chandler to block or alter shots. It seemed like every shot Denver made was either a dunk or from near the lane.”

The Hornets pulled back to within one by the break, but couldn’t handle a third quarter Nuggets run and eventually succumbed to a 101-88 loss.

THAT EXTRA SOMETHING
In his prost game column for the Times-Picayune, John DeShazier notes all the things that the Hornets lack without Tyson in the lineup, and the list goes beyond the stat sheet:

“Even with the improved play of Hilton Armstrong, center Tyson Chandler is missed. The Hornets miss the energy, the emotion, the rebounds, the defensive presence.”

The statistics speak for themselves but opposing coaches also notice what Ty brings to the floor, as reported by Ed Staton of bayoubuzz.com:

“Chandler is the anchor of the Hornets’ defense. When he has been in the lineup, the Hornets allow 92.2 points per game and had a 30-14 record. When he’s out, opponents average 95.3 points. “Not only is he a presence with his rim protection, he’s a traffic cop,” said Wizards coach Ed Tapscott earlier this season. “He’s great reading plays and communicating his team forward.”

But Hornets point guard said he’s not rushing TC and Peja to return to the floor:

“Those guys know we need them back, ” Paul said. “But not until they’re healthy.”

SO WHEN WILL TY BE BACK?
That question is one without an answer right now.

The Hornets have 12 games remaining in the regular season, which ends April 15 in San Antonio. Their next game is Friday night a Madison Square the Knicks. It’s the beginning and end of a one game road trip. On Sunday they host San Antonio in an ESPN nationally televised Sunday night tilt.

Scott has said he expects The Big Easy and his sharpshooter Peja back before the season comes to a close:

“I’m concerned, but I also feel pretty comfortable that they will be back. One will be back pretty soon if not both,” Scott said. “Right now, I’m going to just keep doing what we’ve been doing, keep plugging guys in and keep asking them to step up.”

RELATED STORIES
New Orleans Hornets’ Tyson Chandler, Peja Stojakovic out for key matchup (Associated Press, March 25, 2009)
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Status of four Hornets remains uncertain (Big Easy Buzz Blog, March 25, 2009)
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New Orleans Hornets lose 101-88 to Denver Nuggets (Times-Picayune, March 26, 2009)
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In race to finish, Hornets have rough go of it against Nuggets (Times-Picayune, March 26, 2009)
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New Orleans Sports (Bayou Buzz, March 26, 2009)

Eying a Midweek Return

David Neiman — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:11:47 -0400

Though the Hornets have weathered the storm, posting three straight wins in his absence, TC knows business is about to pick up.

When it does, he hopes to be ready to go to war with his teammates.

Tyson sat out wins over the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors this weekend, but the competition is about to get tougher as the Hornets host Denver on Wednesday. Ty has targeted the game for his return to the court, as quoted in the Times-Picayune:

“I probably played two or three more games than what I should have played,’’ Chandler said. “Now that I’m not playing, I’m in some serious pain. I’m hoping to play Wednesday, but I don’t think it is going to be 100 percent.’‘

Hornets coach Byron Scott, speaking to reporters befote Sunday’s win, was cautiously optimistic about the returns of TC and Peja Stojakovic:

“My gut feeling is that I think Wednesday we will have both of those guys back,’’ Scott said. “I would be surprised if one or both told me they are ready to go before then.’’

REST WHILE YOU CAN
No. 6 has been afforded the opportunity to sit as the Hornets glided through an easy stretch of their schedule, but only 13 games remain in the season and nine of those 13 games are against teams in line to make the playoffs.

New Orleans closes out the regular season with five consecutive games against Western Conference playoff contenders:

Wednesday April 8th vs. Phoenix
Friday April 10th at Dallas
Sunday April 12th vs. Dallas
Monday April 13th at Houston
Wednesday April 15th at San Antonio

Coach Scott believes that, health willing, the Hornets can play with anyone, as quoted in the Times-Picayune:

“I still feel, and I think those guys in the locker room feel the same way, if we’re healthy, we can beat anybody in the West,” Scott said. “So I think it’s more important, now that we start the playoffs in less than a month, that everybody has that renewed focus, is healthy and ready to go. I’m a little greedy. I’d like a good seed, as well. But I want my guys as healthy as possible.”

TWEET TWEET
The subject of NBA players and Twitter has become a hot topic across the country after Milwaukee Bucks player Charlie Villanueva “tweeted” during halftime of a Bucks game earlier this month.

As we all know, the Big Easy has a Twitter account that he updates frequently (but not during games).

Coach Scott was recently asked about his Twitter policy and his response was chronicled in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune:

“Byron Scott won three NBA championships when he played for the Lakers and he coached the New Jersey Nets to the NBA Finals twice. He is a worldly guy who can talk intelligently on a variety of subjects.

But if you want to see his head explode, just ask the New Orleans coach if he has a team policy on tweets and tweeting.

“A what?” he asked, his eyes widening.”

The reporter later went on to tell Scott that Tyson tweets, the response was just as comical:

“I know he has a blog. Is that the same thing?”

Of course not, silly.

“Oh, hell,” Scott said, “I don’t know.”

HORNETS GO TWEET
At Hornets 247, Niall Doherty compiles a list of essential Twitter Feeds for Hornets fans. Naturally TC’s Twitter makes the list:

atthehive: (http://twitter.com/atthehive) Thems of At The Hive fame.

BrittanyHornets: (http://twitter.com/BrittanyHornets) Brittany Cranston, Hornets Internal Communications Manager and in-game emcee.

hornets247: (http://twitter.com/hornets247) Our good selves, but of course.

hornetsdotcom: (http://twitter.com/hornetsdotcom) The official home of the Hornets on Twitter.

mW: (http://twitter.com/mw_) He of Hornets Hype.

ticktock6: (http://twitter.com/ticktock6) She of Hornets Hype.

tysonchandler: (http://twitter.com/tysonchandler) The Hornets’ own TC.

RELATED STORIES
Tweet no longer a whistle (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, March 22, 2009)
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/41601797.html?page=1&c=y
Hornets on Twitter (Hornets 247, March 21, 2009)
http://www.hornets247.com/blog/2009/03/21/hornets-on-twitter
Injured starters, Stojakovic, Chandler not expected to return until Wednesday (Times-Picayune, March 22, 2009)
http://blog.nola.com/hornetsbeat/2009/03/injured_starters_peja_stojakov....
Hornets being cautious with injured starters (Times-Picayune, March 23, 2009)
http://blog.nola.com/hornetsbeat/2009/03/new_orleans_hornets_being_caut....

Ty Sits Tonight, Maybe Weekend

David Neiman — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:14:52 -0400

It looks like Hornets coach Byron Scott is going to take every chance he can to let Ty heal while the competition is weak.

The Hornets host the Memphis Grizzlies tonight at New Orleans Arena and No. 6 will spend the night on the bench in a suit as Hilton Armstrong tries to fill in, as reported this afternoon by the Times-Picayune:

“After playing effectively during Wednesday’s victory against Minnesota, Hornets center Hilton Armstrong will start again in place of injured Tyson Chandler tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies.”

Scott made his lineup decisions after shootaround and declared Tyson out in the media conference that followed. The hope is that Ty could play on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors, as quoted on the Big Easy Buzz Blog:

“We’re going to see if we can get (Chandler) ready for Sunday (vs. Golden State), and Peja as well,” Scott said. “Tomorrow hopefully they’ll feel a little bit better, and then on Sunday they’ll be ready to go.”

Check TysonChandler.com on Monday for a recap of this weekend’s action.

RELATED STORIES
Chandler, Stojakovic out vs. Grizzlies (Big Easy Buzz Blog, March 20, 2009)
http://neworleanshornetsblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/chandler-stojakovic-ou...
Hilton Armstrong will start again tonight for Hornets (The Times-Picayune, March 20, 2009)
http://blog.nola.com/hornetsbeat/2009/03/after_playing_effectively_duri....

Ty Rests, Hornets Pull Out Win

David Neiman — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:53:42 -0400

With a lesser foe on the slate and having watched the Spurs beat the same team without their talented big man, Tim Duncan, coach Byron Scott opted to have TC rest his ankle last night as the Hornets took on the Timberwolves.

“Well I’ve got to start Hilton (Armstrong) I can’t play Tyson tonight,” Scott said before the game according to Hoopsworld.”

The Hornets missed the Big Easy on defense but were able to post a late comeback and beat Minnesota 94-93 at New Orleans Arena Wednesday night.

The Times-Picayune described Ty’s injury:

“The Hornets (42-25) snapped a two-game losing streak despite playing without starting center Tyson Chandler, who is sidelined with an inflamed left ankle.”

Tyson’s status for Friday’s game against 17-50 Memphis remains in question, but today, perhaps Tyson hinted at his plans for the game on Twitter.com:

"Ankle hasn't 100% healed need to rest it for a few days."

Check TysonChandler.com for the latest on Ty’s availability.

TY-UP YOUR DESKTOP
Over at Hornets 247, designer Dariusz Ejkiewicz, just released a desktop wallpaper centered around No. 6. Ejkiewicz describes his motivation for the wallpaper, which he calls “The Crescent City Giant,” as follows:

“The comeback is a wallpaper designed after Tyson was traded to Oklahoma City. Once the Thunder rescinded the trade I knew it was a time for the Crescent City Giant.”

To download the wallpaper and make Ty the center of your computer universe, click here.

RELATED STORIES
Chandler sits out vs. Timberwolves (The Associated Press, March 18, 2009)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5idTZFUsFPo6KOSM7xezXSk...
Hornets hold on as Minnesota’s final shot is off the mark (The Times=Picayune, March 18, 2009)
http://blog.nola.com/hornetsbeat/2009/03/new_orleans_hornets_hold_on_as....
Hoopsworld courtside blog (Hoopsworld.com, March 18, 2009)
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Blogs/CourtsideBlog.asp?GAME_ID=29207&LEAGUE_C...

Grin and Bear It

David Neiman — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:56:02 -0400

Tyson knows at this point he'll have to play through the pain.

The Hornets return to the floor tonight to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at New Orleans Arena and No. 6 says he will play, as quoted in the Times-Picayune:

“My ankle is banged up, but I’m going to continue to try and play through it, ” Chandler said. “But it’s definitely affecting me, because a lot of the stuff I get comes from energy and hustle, and I don’t feel like I’m able to do that.”

The Hornets are 9-3 in 12 games since Tyson returned with a 15-point, 10 rebound double double against Sacramento on February 23.

In his first ten games back, nine of them wins, Ty averaged 9.8 points and 10.8 boards per game. But New Orleans has lost their last two and TC has averaged just four points and eight rebounds per in those two defeats.

“Those ligaments (in his ankle) aren’t completely healed, ” coach Byron Scott told the Times-Picayune. “It kind of comes and goes. Sometimes it gets tight, and he can’t loosen it up. He’s probably going to fight that for the rest of the season. He said (Monday) it got tight on him.”

WHAT MAKES TY SPECIAL
Coach Scott believes the injury is taking away two of the most important ingredients to Tyson’s game, as quoted by WWL-TV in New Orleans:

“It really negates his mobility and his athleticism and those are the two things that make him special,” Scott said Tuesday following practice. “When he told me about it last night, I was kind of worried. He told me just at the start of the third quarter.

“Right then I got a little nervous. That’s a big concern of mine.”

TC CAN’T JUMP
The injury has really hurt The Big Easy on the boards, where he makes his living with rebounds, put-backs and tip-ins, Scott told WWL-TV:

“He has a hard time getting to the ball, jumping,” Scott said. “It takes away what makes him special. We all know how high he jumps. He can’t jump.

“When you’ve got a 7-footer who is as athletic as he is and as quick as he is and that’s what he depends on and you take his ankle and tell him he’s going to play on one ankle, it’s tough.”

Tyson’s belief is that time would give him the ability to heal, but with the season ending in less than month and 16 games remaining, the Hornets, in the thick of a fight for their playoff lives, can’t afford to have their big man in the middle take any time off, as he was quoted by WWL:

“You do have to be smart about the situation. I want to go into the playoffs healthy and be able to give my team something. I’m going to play as long as I’m not hurting my team.”

SILENCING THE GROWL
Though Ty missed the first meeting with the T-Wolves, he’ll be in the lineup tonight as the Hornets look to take the season series in a sweep.

New Orleans used a strong fourth quarter to pull off a 101-97 win in their first matchup. T-Wolves center Al Jefferson went for 25 points against the weakened NOLA interior, but Jefferson injured his knee the next day and is now out for the season.

Coverage of tonight’s game begins at 5 p.m. PST and all the action can be seen live in New Orleans on CST.

RELATED STORIES
Hornets’ Chandler still playing through ankle pain (WWL-TV.com, March 18, 2009)
http://www.wwltv.com/sports/hornets/stories/wwl031709bhhornetschandler.4...
Injured Hornets center Tyson Chandler has struggled of late (The Times-Picayune, March 18, 2009)
http://blog.nola.com/hornetsbeat/2009/03/injured_new_orleans_hornets_ce....

Still Troubled

David Neiman — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:47:55 -0400

For two straight games, Ty hasn't looked like the player who led the Hornets to nine wins in his first 10 games back.

It’s no coincidence that New Orleans also hasn’t looked like the same team they were after being energized from his return. In last night’s postgame, Ty let on what the problem might be, as quoted by the Big Easy Buzz Blog:

“I just don’t feel like my ankle is healed. It was dragging me out there. It was a tough time (tonight). I’ll get some treatment and see how it goes.”

No. 6 will hope to avoid another extended stay on the bench, but with the playoffs on the horizon, he may need to let the ankle finish healing to be at his best when the Bees need him the most.

TOUGH NIGHT
Ty wasn’t at his best against Houston and it was obvious something was bothering the Big Easy. He scored just four points and tallied seven boards. TC also has two steals and a block, but fouled out with 90 seconds remaining. The loss was New Orleans’ second straight and Tyson believes these are games they should be winning:

“We had a tough loss in Chicago. It was a tough loss here again at home in a game that you want to win.”

No. 6 committed three fouls in the final frame as the Rockets took what they wanted in the lane as Tyson noted:

“They just did a good job of getting into the paint and to the free throw line. That pretty much carried them throughout the game with the points in the paint and the free throws that they made.”

BREAKING IT DOWN
Veteran NBA writer Charley Rosen was in the house Monday night and used his Fox Sports.com column to analyze Tyson’s play against Houston.

In his in-depth analysis, Rosen offers another possible reason for TC’s uneven performance:

“Even though Chandler played 37 minutes, he only had twelve touches in the attack zone. Five of these were shots, three were handoffs, and four resulted in his making reversal-passes from above the 3-point arc. His only attempt to score from the low-post eventuated in a sloppy dribble and the first of his two turnovers…”

“It’s axiomatic that no matter how limited a big man’s offense talents might be, force-feeding him in the low post and letting him go at it is necessary to motivate every other aspect of his game — rebounding, defending, passing, and so on. Instead, the Hornets chose to make Chandler an anonymous foot soldier — and the rest of his game suffered.”

Rosen also breaks down other things that just don’t show up in the stat sheet, like Ty’s success on screens (he counted 19 that Tyson set, resulting in 11 Hornets points) as well as No. 6’s work on defense:

- He executed several aggressive shows on the nether sides of Houston’s S/Rs.
- He bumped a number of cutters off their intended routes.
- By my count, he made nine excellent defensive rotations that led to Houston’s committing three turnovers.
- He hit the floor in pursuit of a loose ball — something that bigs rarely do.
- When Landry posted him, Chandler blocked the resulting shot.
- On another pivotal sequence, Chandler held his position and forced Landry to spin – blindly into the middle — where CP3 easily stole the ball.
- In direct confrontations, he yielded only one point to Dikembe Mutombo and four to Carl Landry.

To read Rosen’s entire column, click here.

WAYNE’S WORLD
For ESPN the Magazine.com, celebrity columnist and New Orleans area rapper Lil’ Wayne opens up his mailbag and offers his thoughts on Tyson and CP.

Jeff (Birmingham) - Wayne—I know you are a huge Hornets fan and I was wondering about your reaction to the whole saga of Tyson Chandler getting traded and then coming back?
Wayne: Tyson Chandler and Chris Paul are becoming one of the greatest, most-unstoppable dynamic duos in the league and it would have been horrible to split them up. Just atrocious. But I’m glad it happened so they could feel that kick in the gut when they thought he wasn’t going to be on the team no more. They needed that push, and now they know what they’ve got to do, so it’s a good thing.

NEXT UP
Tyson’s ankle gets the night off as the Hornets get a breather tonight before going toe-to-toe with Minnesota on Wednesday night at New Orleans Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. PST and all the action can be seen live in New Orleans on CST.

RELATED STORIES
Rockets at Hornets Box Score (NBA.com, March 16, 2009)
http://www.nba.com/games/20090316/HOUNOH/boxscore.html
Hornets.com postgame Rockets 95, Hornets 86 (Big Easy Buzz Blog, March 16, 2009)
http://neworleanshornetsblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/hornetscom-postgame-ro...
New Orleans Hornets unable to move ahead of Yao-less Rockets (The Times-Picayune, March 17, 2009)
http://blog.nola.com/hornetsbeat/2009/03/new_orleans_hornets_unable_to.h...
Chandler must play well or Hornets to compete (Fox Sports.com, March 17, 2009)
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/9338942/Chandler-must-play-well-for-H...
Lil Wayne: This is not the year for Cinderella Teams: (ESPNtheMagazine.com, March 17, 2009)
http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3988976