The New Orleans Hornets showed promise after the 2009-10 season, advancing to the NBA playoffs after missing it the past five seasons. David West recalls that the team ran well and believed that it had a chance to win it all.
Unfortunately, the Hornets did something that they would later regret. They tried to trade Tyson Chandler to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a move that would later on be rescinded due to a left big toe injury, ESPN reported.
Parting ways with Chandler was understandable, but his injuries kept him from playing and placing the Hornets in a spot. But for West, it was a huge mistake.
“That killed us because we loved Tyson…. Nobody wanted Tyson to be traded. Coach didn’t want that trade, Tyson didn’t want to be traded,” West said when he spoke on Forgotten Seasons.
Chandler needed a new home
West went on to add that Chandler did not want to go to Oklahoma City. But the fact that the Hornets tried to pull it off indicated he was no longer welcome in New Orleans .
Hence, Chandler’s career was at a crossroads. He was aware that even with the botched trade to OKC, Hornets management would find a new taker. That team turned out to be the Charlotte Bobcats in July 2009.
Injuries continued to riddle the 2012 NBA Defensive Player of the Year that season. He played in 51 regular season games, managing only 6.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 22.8 minutes of action.
However, Tyson could not have anticipated the significance of his next destination, the Dallas Mavericks. Upon joining the team, he seamlessly integrated and recalled his peak performance, becoming a key figure for the Mavericks.
When all was said and done, the Mavericks clinched the 2011 NBA title, marking Chandler's first championship victory since being drafted second overall.
Hornets wasted good talent
West believes that if the Hornets had remained patient, they could have won an NBA title. He singled out how Chandler and Peja Stojakovic won an NBA ring after they were sent to Dallas.
Aside from that, the 18th overall pick of the 2003 NBA Draft added how they knew how to play and win over the Mavs team if only their roster were kept intact.
“We traded away a championship. I believe that the guys…they won that championship. That Dirk championship should have been ours,” the two-time All-Star stated.
Frustrated with the situation in New Orleans, West decided to explore free agency by opting out of his contract. He then joined the Indiana Pacers, where he spent eight seasons. However, his performance slightly declined when he later joined the San Antonio Spurs in 2015 and the Golden State Warriors in 2016.
It was during his time with the Warriors that he achieved the pinnacle of his career, winning two NBA championships. This success paved the way for a fitting retirement after a 15-season career, officially retiring on August 30, 2018.
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