NBA Champion Tyson Chandler Reveals He Dreamed Of Being A Seattle Sonic Growing Up
NBA champion and former All-Star Tyson Chandler played 18 seasons in the league after being drafted by his home town Los Angeles Clippers in the 2001 draft. Chandler was the second selection in that draft behind Elton Brand. The Bulls and Clippers would then elect to trade Brand and Chandler for one another. In that same draft with the forth pick the Bulls picked Eddy Curry out Thornwood High of South Holland, Ill.
“I think it will be great with two high schoolers,” Chandler said. “We can learn from each other and we will get through this together. I think it will be a little easier for us because we’re not so much on our own. We can get out there and work out together and make this really good.”
Chandler is one of the few players in league that were able to get the opportunity to face the Seattle Supersonics before the franchise was moved to Oklahoma City and changed their name to the Thunder. The former Defensive Player of the Year played 15 games against the franchise and averaged 9.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.3 block per game, according to statmuse.com.
Speaking of the franchise that used to reside in the Pacific Northwest, Chandler recently shared his favorite memory watching the Sonics growing up.
“From a far would be when Shawn Kemp dunk on a dude [Alton Lister] and pointed at him with two hands, Chandler shared with LandonBuford.com.
“I just remember the area [Key Arena] felt like it was on top of you, and all the fans were going straight up. I played for one or two years there. I love going to Seattle, a great city, and honestly, for whatever reason, I thought I was going to be drafted to the Seattle Supersonics growing up. I had so many dreams in a Sonics’ jersey that I literally thought it was a dynasty, but clearly that didn’t happen.”
During his 18 year career Chandler average 8.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game in 1160 career games.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
