New York Knicks centre Tyson Chandler named NBA Defensive player of the Year
New York Knicks centre Tyson Chandler has been named as the Defensive Player of the Year for the 2011-12 NBA season becoming the first players in Knicks colours to achieve this feat since back in 1983.
Chandler, who considered it to be a lifelong dream of his to be ranked among the best defenders in the world, got his wish when he was named the best defensive player.
"It's been a career-long dream," Chandler said. "I've only wanted to be considered one of the top defensive players in the league. To be considered the best defensive player in the league this year is just the ultimate for me."
However winning the award was not easy for him as he had a fair bit of competition to the claim, the best coming from the Oklahoma City Thunder, forward, Serge Ibaka who only fell short by 17 points. Chandler finished in top place with 311 points with 45 first place votes among them. Ibaka on the other hand stood second with 294 points with 41 first place votes.
The reigning three time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Dwight Howard who struggled with back problems and is now ruled out of the post season with back surgery, stood third with a total of 186 points while LeBron James finished fourth.
Chandler was a very influential figure in last year’s Championship run for the Dallas Mavericks, helping them take the honour for the first time in franchise history. He averaged 6.5 rebounds and 1.44 blocks with the Mavs and since adorning the Knicks colours, Chandler has been able to change the lacklustre mentality of the Knicks on the defensive end of the court.
Even though the Knicks had to waive off Chauncey Billups to acquire the centre, they got their money’s worth as Chandler, since his arrival, has helped them improve from 27th to 11th in the league for points allowed every game.
Tyson though considers it a team effort.
"I'm not in the top in blocks and I'm not in the top in steals and yet still I win the award simply because I'm able to get a lot out of my teammates and I'm able to play a team game," Chandler said.
Chandler also gave credit to NBA All time greats like, Bill Russell for being his inspiration while coming up as a young player, looking to impose his will on the game with his defensive work.
While accepting the award, Chandler was all fun and jokes and credited his Knicks teammates inability to play defence and took pride in helping his team out. However, Knicks will require some of that defensive work as they now look to come back from a 2-0 deficit in their first round series against the Miami Heat.
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