Kennedy Chandler
{{Short description|American basketball player (born 2002)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox basketball biography
| name = Kennedy Chandler
| image = Kennedy Chandler 2.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Chandler with Tennessee in 2022
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2002|9|16}}
| birth_place = Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
| position = Point guard
| height_ft = 5
| height_in = 11
| weight_lbs = 170
| league = NBA G League
| team = Raptors 905
| number = 0
| high_school =
- Briarcrest Christian School
(Eads, Tennessee) - Sunrise Christian Academy
(Bel Aire, Kansas)
| college = Tennessee (2021–2022)
| draft_year = 2022
| draft_round = 2
| draft_pick = 38
| draft_team = San Antonio Spurs
| years1 = {{nbay|2022|full=y}}
| team1 = Memphis Grizzlies
| years2 = 2022–2023
| team2 = →Memphis Hustle
| years3 = 2023–2024
| team3 = Long Island Nets
| years4 = 2024–present
| team4 = Raptors 905
| highlights =
- Second-team All-SEC (2022)
- SEC All-Freshman Team (2022)
- SEC tournament MVP (2022)
- McDonald's All-American (2021)
- Jordan Brand Classic (2021)
- Nike Hoop Summit (2021)
- 2× Tennessee Mr. Basketball (2019, 2020)
| medal_templates = {{MedalSport|Men's basketball}}
{{MedalCountry|{{bk|USA}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|FIBA Under-19 World Cup}}
{{MedalGold|2021 Latvia|Team}}
}}
Kennedy Collier Chandler (born September 16, 2002) is an American professional basketball player for Raptors 905 of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Tennessee Volunteers. He was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top point guards in the 2021 class. In his senior season of high school, he was named a McDonald's All-American, as well as being selected to the rosters of the Jordan Brand Classic and the Nike Hoop Summit.
In his only season at Tennessee, Chandler was named to second-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the SEC all-freshman team. He was drafted with the 38th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft by the San Antonio Spurs, but was later traded to the Grizzlies.
High school career
Chandler began playing varsity basketball for Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tennessee while in eighth grade. As a freshman, he came off the bench and helped his team reach the Division II-AA semifinals.{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Khari |date=December 14, 2018 |title=Briarcrest's Kennedy Chandler poised for breakout sophomore season |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/high-school/2018/12/14/briarcrest-basketball-kennedy-chandler-breakout-sophomore-season-ole-miss/2283196002/ |access-date=September 18, 2020 |website=The Commercial Appeal}} In his sophomore season, Chandler averaged 19.5 points, four rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Alex |date=December 19, 2019 |title=Getting to Know 5-star Briarcrest Christian boys basketball recruit Kennedy Chandler |url=https://www.news-press.com/story/sports/high-school/2019/12/19/briarcrest-christian-boys-basketball-and-five-star-recruit-kennedy-chandler/2689116001/ |access-date=September 18, 2020 |website=The News-Press}} He led Briarcrest to the DII-AA state title, earning tournament most valuable player honors after scoring 20 points in a 65–54 win over Brentwood Academy.{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=George |date=March 2, 2019 |title=Brentwood Academy's bid to become first with 5 straight titles ends in final vs Briarcrest |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/high-school/2019/03/02/briarcrest-upsets-4-time-defending-state-title-holder-brentwood-academy-state-basketball-tournament/3028971002/ |access-date=September 18, 2020 |website=The Tennessean}} He was named DII-AA Tennessee Mr. Basketball.{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Khari |date=March 5, 2019 |title=James Wiseman, Kennedy Chandler win Mr. Basketball awards |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/high-school/2019/03/05/james-wiseman-kennedy-chandler-win-tssaa-mr-basketball-awards/3054417002/ |access-date=September 18, 2020 |website=The Commercial Appeal}} After the season, Chandler won the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League Peach Jam with Mokan Elite.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=John |date=July 29, 2019 |title=How Kennedy Chandler left Memphis (briefly), won a title and became a top point guard for 2021 |url=https://theathletic.com/1101784/2019/07/29/how-kennedy-chandler-left-memphis-briefly-won-a-title-and-became-one-of-2021s-best-point-guards/ |access-date=September 18, 2020 |website=The Athletic}} As a junior, he averaged 22.2 points, 4.3 assists and 2.6 steals per game, leading his team to a state runner-up finish and being named DII-AA Tennessee Mr. Basketball for his second straight year.{{Cite web |last=Borzello |first=Jeff |last2=Biancardi |first2=Paul |date=August 14, 2020 |title=Tennessee lands top-ranked guard Kennedy Chandler for '21 college basketball class |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/29661810 |access-date=September 18, 2020 |publisher=ESPN |authorlink2=Paul Biancardi}}{{Cite web |last=Varlas |first=John |date=March 10, 2020 |title=Chandler, Lawson, Cisse all win Mr. Basketball awards |url=https://dailymemphian.com/article/11402/chandler-lawson-cisse-all-win-mr-basketball-awards |access-date=September 18, 2020 |website=The Daily Memphian}} Chandler transferred to Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas for his senior season to help prepare for the college level.{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Khari |date=May 29, 2020 |title=Briarcrest's Kennedy Chandler, nation's No. 1 point guard, transferring to Sunrise Christian Academy |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/05/29/basketball-recruiting-kennedy-chandler-transfer-sunrise-christian-briarcrest/5280012002/ |access-date=September 18, 2020 |website=The Commercial Appeal}} As a senior, he averaged 14.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 steals per game, leading his team to a 21–4 record. Chandler was named to the rosters for the McDonald's All-American Game, Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit.{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=Terry |date=February 24, 2021 |title=Kennedy Chandler named to McDonald's All-American team |url=https://www.rockytoptalk.com/2021/2/24/22299131/tennessee-vols-basketball-kennedy-chandler-named-mcdonalds-all-american |access-date=June 7, 2021 |website=Rocky Top Talk|publisher=SB Nation}}
=Recruiting=
Chandler received basketball scholarship offers from Florida, Arizona State and Ole Miss, among others, during his first two years of high school.{{Cite web |last=Jordan |first=Jonah |date=April 9, 2019 |title=Briarcrest guard Kennedy Chandler building reputation two years ahead of college |url=https://dailymemphian.com/article/4286/Briarcrest-guard-Kennedy-Chandler-building-reputation-two-years-ahead-of-college |access-date=September 18, 2020 |website=The Daily Memphian}} He emerged as a five-star recruit prior to his junior season.{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Khari |date=February 27, 2020 |title=How Briarcrest's Kennedy Chandler went from unranked to five-star prospect in one year |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/02/28/basketball-recruiting-kennedy-chandler-briarcrest-memphis-tennessee-kentucky-duke/4784748002/ |access-date=September 18, 2020 |website=The Commercial Appeal}} On August 14, 2020, Chandler committed to playing college basketball for Tennessee over offers from Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina and Memphis.
{{College Athlete Recruit Start|40=no|collapse=no|year=2021}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Kennedy Chandler
| position = PG
| hometown = Memphis, TN
| highschool = Sunrise Christian Academy (KS)
| feet = 6
| inches = 1
| weight = 165
| 40 =
| commitdate = August 14, 2020
| scout stars =
| rivals stars = 5
| 247 stars = 5
| espn stars = 5
| espn grade = 95
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit End
| 40 =
| year = 2021
| rivals ref title = Tennessee 2021 Basketball Commitments
| scout ref title =
| espn ref title = 2021 Tennessee Volunteers Recruiting Class
| rivals school = tennessee
| scout s =
| espn schoolid = 2633
| 247 overall = 10
| rivals overall = 9
| espn overall = 10
| accessdate = October 3, 2021
| bball = yes
}}
College career
In his college debut, Chandler posted 20 points and four assists in a 90–62 win against UT Martin.{{Cite news |date=November 9, 2021 |title=Chandler, Vescovi lead No. 18 Tennessee past UT-Martin 90–62 |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401371892 |access-date=November 15, 2021 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} On December 4, 2021, he scored 28 points in a 69–54 win over Colorado.{{Cite news |date=December 4, 2021 |title=Chandler scores 28, No. 13 Tennessee beats Colorado 69–54 |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401371896 |access-date=February 19, 2022 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} Chandler was named to the Second Team All-SEC as well as the All-Freshman Team.{{Cite press release |title=Men's Basketball All-SEC Teams & Awards Announced |date=March 8, 2022 |publisher=Southeastern Conference |url=https://www.secsports.com/article/33453309/men-basketball-all-sec-teams-awards-announced |accessdate=March 8, 2022}} He averaged 13.9 points, 4.7 assists and 2.2 steals per game.{{Cite news |date=March 19, 2022 |title=Tennessee and Michigan play in second round of NCAA Tournament |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/tennessee-and-michigan-play-in-second-round-of-ncaa-tournament/2022/03/18/11df1a68-a684-11ec-8628-3da4fa8f8714_story.html |access-date=March 19, 2022 |work=The Washington Post |agency=Associated Press}} On April 5, 2022, Chandler declared for the 2022 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.{{Cite web |last=Givony |first=Johnathan |date=April 5, 2022 |title=Vols PG Chandler says he's entering NBA draft |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/33675841 |access-date=June 13, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}} Chandler was a projected top twenty pick in the 2022 NBA draft.
Professional career
=Memphis Grizzlies (2022–2023)=
Chandler was drafted 38th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2022 NBA draft. On June 24, 2022, a day after the draft, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick.{{cite web|title=Memphis Grizzlies acquire draft rights to Kennedy Chandler from San Antonio Spurs|url=https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/memphis-grizzlies-acquire-draft-rights-to-kennedy-chandler-from-san-antonio-spurs-220624|website=NBA.com|date=June 24, 2022|access-date=December 4, 2022}} On July 6, Chandler signed a four-year, $7.1 million rookie scale contract with the Grizzlies. The deal set a record for the most guaranteed money ($4.9 million) given to an American-born second-round draft pick on his rookie contract.{{cite web|title=Memphis Grizzlies sign Kennedy Chandler to multi-year contract|url=https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/memphis-grizzlies-sign-kennedy-chandler-to-multi-year-contract-220706|website=NBA.com|date=July 6, 2022|access-date=December 4, 2022}}{{cite web|first=Paul|last=Kasabian|title=Grizzlies' Kennedy Chandler Agrees to 4-Year, $7.1M Contract; $4.9M Guaranteed|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10041089-grizzlies-kennedy-chandler-agrees-to-4-year-71m-contract-49m-guaranteed|website=BleacherReport.com|date=July 6, 2022|access-date=December 4, 2022}} He joined the Grizzlies for the 2022 NBA Summer League. Chandler made his Summer League debut on July 5, recording eight points, four rebounds, four assists, four steals and three blocks in a 103–99 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.{{cite web|first=Jack|last=Foster|title=Kennedy Chandler Delivers Sound Summer League Debut With Memphis|url=https://www.si.com/college/tennessee/mens-basketball/kennedy-chandler-delivers-sound-summer-league-debut-with-memphis|website=SI.com|date=July 6, 2022|access-date=March 16, 2023}} On October 22, he made his NBA debut, recording two assists and two blocks in a 137–96 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.{{cite web|first=Schuyler|last=Dixon|title=DONCIC, MAVS HAVE FAST START, RIP GRIZ 137–96 IN HOME OPENER|url=https://www.nba.com/game/0022200034|website=NBA.com|date=October 23, 2022|access-date=March 16, 2023}}
On April 8, 2023, Chandler was waived by the Grizzlies.{{cite tweet|author=Grizzlies PR|title=The @memgrizz today announced the team signed Kenneth Lofton Jr. to a multi-year contract. In related moves, the Grizzlies signed Jacob Gilyard to a two-way contract and waived Kennedy Chandler.|number=1644772706255097863|user=GrizzliesPR|date=April 8, 2023|access-date=April 8, 2023}}
=Long Island Nets (2023–2024)=
On October 19, 2023, Chandler signed with the Brooklyn Nets, but was waived two days later.{{cite web|first=Luke|last=Adams|title=Nets Sign, Waive Kennedy Chandler, Patrick Gardner|url=https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2023/10/nets-sign-kennedy-chandler-patrick-gardner.html|website=HoopsRumors.com|date=October 21, 2023|access-date=October 21, 2023}} On October 28, he joined the Long Island Nets.{{cite web|title=Patrick Gardner, Kennedy Chandler, two-ways top Long Island Nets training camp roster|url=https://www.netsdaily.com/2023/10/28/23936762/patrick-gardner-kennedy-chandler-two-ways-top-long-island-nets-training-camp-roster|website=NetsDaily.com|date=October 28, 2023|access-date=November 12, 2023}}
=Raptors 905 (2024–present)=
On September 25, 2024, Chandler signed with the Toronto Raptors, but was waived the same day.{{cite web|first=Luke|last=Adams|title=Raptors Sign, Waive Kennedy Chandler|url=https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/09/raptors-sign-kennedy-chandler-to-exhibit-10-contract.html|website=HoopsRumors.com|date=September 25, 2024|access-date=September 26, 2024}} On October 28, he joined Raptors 905.{{cite web|title=RAPTORS 905 FINALIZES TRAINING CAMP ROSTER|url=https://raptors905.gleague.nba.com/news/raptors-905-finalizes-training-camp-roster-3|website=NBA.com|date=October 28, 2024|access-date=November 3, 2024}}
National team career
Chandler represented the United States at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Latvia. He averaged 7.7 points and 3.4 assists per game, helping his team win the gold medal.{{cite web|first=Ric|last=Butler|title=Tennessee PG Kennedy Chandler and Team USA Win FIBA World Cup|url=https://www.rockytopinsider.com/2021/07/11/tennessee-pg-kennedy-chandler-and-team-usa-win-fiba-world-cup/|website=RockyTopInsider.com|date=July 11, 2021|access-date=July 12, 2021}}
Career statistics
{{NBA player statistics legend}}
=NBA=
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2022}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Memphis
| 36 || 0 || 7.8 || .422 || .133 || .462 || 1.1 || 1.6 || .3 || .1 || 2.2
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career
| 36 || 0 || 7.8 || .422 || .133 || .462 || 1.1 || 1.6 || .3 || .1 || 2.2
{{S-end}}
=College=
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- [https://utsports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kennedy-chandler/13426 Tennessee Volunteers bio]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20210413053754/https://www.usab.com/basketball/players/mens/c/chandler-kennedy.aspx USA Basketball bio]
{{Raptors 905 current roster}}
{{2022 NBA draft}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Chandler, Kennedy}}
Category:21st-century American sportsmen
Category:American expatriate basketball people in Canada
Category:American men's basketball players
Category:Basketball players from Memphis, Tennessee
Category:Long Island Nets players
Category:McDonald's High School All-Americans
Category:Memphis Grizzlies players
Category:Memphis Hustle players