05/01/2009 - 15:16
2008-09 in Review
by Devon Jeffreys

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

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