Chandler back to Hornets after failing physical
Thunder backs out of deal that sent Wilcox, Smith to New Orleans
 Bill Haber / AP | Tyson Chandler missed the Hornets’ last 12 games before the All-Star break because of a sprained left ankle. |
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OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma City Thunder rescinded their trade with the New Orleans, sending center Tyson Chandler back to the Hornets.
Chandler failed a physical Wednesday, and the Thunder backed out of the deal that sent Chris Wilcox, Joe Smith and second-round pick DeVon Hardin to New Orleans.
No specific reason was given as to why Chandler didn’t pass the physical, but he missed the Hornets’ last 12 games before the All-Star break because of a sprained left ankle.
“We were pleased to add Tyson to the Thunder roster,” general manager Sam Presti said. “During the course of the physical examination and outside consultations some questions arose that gave us cause for concern. We felt that this course of action was the best for our organization.”
New Orleans players had been distraught about the trade Tuesday, questioning it as a decision brought on because of the team’s desire to stay below the salary cap instead of as a way to improve the roster. Chandler is due to make about $12 million next season.
All-Star forward David West called it a business decision instead of a basketball decision, and said it “leaves a big question mark in the middle” for New Orleans.
Chandler had been a big part of the turnaround that landed the Hornets the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference last year, when they pushed San Antonio to Game 7 in the conference semifinals. He averaged a double-double with 11.8 points and 11.8 rebounds and had more than 100 alley-oop dunks off of lobs from All-Star point guard Chris Paul.
His numbers were down a little, to 8.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game this season as he missed 18 games due to injury.
“I think a lot of that is because of the injuries that he’s suffered this season,” Hornets coach Byron Scott said after the trade. “The first couple games of the season, he was playing really well. Then he hurt his ankle. He came back, he was playing pretty good again, and then his neck was hurt.
“So he’s had a series of injuries this season that have really stunted his progress, unfortunately. I don’t think it’s so much that he’s changed as a basketball player. I think it’s that he’s had some unfortunate circumstances.”
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