Tyson Chandler ‘Ready to Represent’ USA at the Olympics


Andrew Bynum and Dwight Howard aren’t options for USA Basketball at the Olympic Games this summer, but Tyson Chandler says he’s ready to hold down the fort in their stead. Per the NY Post: “Chandler, who was not selected to the 2008 Olympic gold-medal team but played for Team USA in the 2010 World Championships, was named one of the 20 finalists in January. His new NBA championship ring and solid season with the Knicks have him as a mortal lock when Team USA’s 12-man roster is selected in late May. ‘I’m definitely ready to represent my country,’ Chandler said. ‘I’m very excited. Just to be able to be considered for the USA team is a blessing and something I’m very proud of. I committed myself when I joined in 2007. I still feel that way.’ Chandler was snubbed for the 2012 All-Star Game — he has never made it — but the groundswell for his Defensive Player of the Year candidacy is growing fast. In the three games he has missed, the Knicks have allowed 112, 118, 119 points. Chandler also should earn placement on one of the three All-NBA teams.”