KNICKS 101

Chandler won a gold medal as a member of the 2010 USA World Championships team.  Due to the injury situations of Dwight Howard and LaMarcus Aldridge it is likely Chandler will make Team USA again.

Marc Berman of the New York Post reports that Chandler has a very good chance to represent his country in the Olympics.

With the announcement five days ago LaMarcus Aldridge will undergo season-ending hip injury, Knicks center Tyson Chandler has become a favorite to make the U.S. Olympic team, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Chandler was named as one of the 20 finalists for the Olympic Team named in January. Team USA has just one center on the roster, Dwight Howard, and he’s out indefinitely with a bulging disk. That also bodes well for Chandler’s presence on the club.

“I feel like I have a great opportunity to play,’’ Chandler told The Post. “It all comes down to what they feel jells and fits with each other.’’

Chandler is a player with everything Team USA needs.  He's a star in his own right but on a team where every single player is a superstar Chandler has the temperament to take a back seat role and do the dirty work.  He can finish around the rim, defend, rebound and be a coach on the court.  His intangibles and character are what make Chandler who he is.

Chandler played well on Team USA in the 2010 World Championships.  There is no reason why he can't be a valuable piece of the puzzle this go around.  The 12 man roster will be selected in late May.  The team will assemble in Las Vegas for training camp in July to begin Olympic preparations.  The Games begin in late July.