Knicks' Tyson Chandler: All-Defensive First Team Snub 'Ridiculous'
NEW YORK (WFAN) - Knicks and Team USA center Tyson Chandler reacted on Sunday to being named to the NBA's All-Defensive second team, despite earning the Defensive Player of the Year award.
The media votes on the DPOY, but the coaches select the members of the first and second All-Defensive teams. Chandler figured the NBA coaches would recognize him as a first team selection after winning a championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 and leading the Knicks to the playoffs last year.
"I was surprised,'' the 11-year veteran told The New York Post following a Team USA practice. "I think it was ridiculous. It just shows – the coaches vote for that. I don't know if they're really paying attention on what they're voting on. I don't know if they just mark down the names. I don't understand how I can win Defensive Player of the Year by the media and get second team. The good thing is I get to play against them next year and show them why I should've been Defensive Player of Year and show them why I should be on the first team.''
The former second overall pick had a strong debut for Team USA against France on Sunday, tallying eight points and nine rebounds in 11 minutes.
Chandler is expected to be named as an All-Star this year for the first time, but as he said, "It's always politics.''
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