Colangelo: Tyson Chandler 'Not in Shape' but Still in Mix for Team USA

Filed under: Bobcats, Hornets, Mavericks, Nets, Wizards, FIBA, USA Basketball

LAS VEGAS -- Missing 62 of one's past 126 NBA regular-season games is usually not the best preparation for USA Basketball.



Then again, when you're a 7-foot-1 shot blocker and big men on your team are disappearing faster than money in local slot machines, it doesn't hurt you as much.



USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo is aware of what's befallen center Tyson Chandler, who has battled ankle problems the past two seasons. But Colangelo, as Team USA prepares for next month's World Championship in Turkey, is willing to look past much of that because Chandler is the tallest player in training camp here and provides a much-needed skill.



"He's not in shape, it appears now,'' Colangelo said on Wednesday's second day of camp about Chandler, traded last week from Charlotte to Dallas. "And it's been a while since he's really competed because of his injuries. ... (Chandler needs) to get himself in real shape. His opportunity is enhanced (to make the team) because of what he does. If he's on, he can block shots.''

 

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Full story at http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/07/21/colangelo-tyson-chandler-not-in-shape-but-still-in-mix-for-te/