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LA’s draft history: Ranking every #2 overall pick

By Hans Themistode

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES: High school player Tyson Chandler (R) is congratulated by NBA Commissioner David Stern (L) after being selected by the L.A. Clippers as the number two pick in the 2001 NBA Draft 27 June 2001 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The top three picks in the draft were two high school players and a Spanish player who has never played in the US. Chandler was traded with Brian Skinner from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Chicago Bulls for Elton Brand. AFP PHOTO Matt CAMPBELL (Photo credit should read MATT CAMPBELL/AFP via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES: High school player Tyson Chandler (R) is congratulated by NBA Commissioner David Stern (L) after being selected by the L.A. Clippers as the number two pick in the 2001 NBA Draft 27 June 2001 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The top three picks in the draft were two high school players and a Spanish player who has never played in the US. Chandler was traded with Brian Skinner from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Chicago Bulls for Elton Brand. AFP PHOTO Matt CAMPBELL (Photo credit should read MATT CAMPBELL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Tyson Chandler
Tyson Chandler (Photo credit should read MATT CAMPBELL/AFP via Getty Images) /

4. Tyson Chandler

Tyson Chandler was a flat-out monster during his time in high school. During his senior season, his stats were practically unreal. He led Manuel Dominguez high school to a state championship after going 31-4. Along the way, Chandler averaged 26 points, 15 boards, and a ridiculous eight blocks a game.

The highly athletic big man was a mouthwatering prospect and decided against entering college. Upon hearing the news, the Clippers believed they had a franchise-altering player and nabbed him with the second overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft. However, the plan was never to actually keep Chandler. Instead, they used him as trade bait. Shortly after selecting him, the Clippers shipped Chandler out of town for Elton Brand.

The two-time All-Star became the face of the franchise and allowed LA to become a true player in the always stacked Western Conference. As for Chandler, LA truly dodged a bullet by trading him.

Chandler was never a franchise-level player. His offense, unlike in high school, simply never developed. For the most part, Chandler simply became a lob threat with absolutely no low post moves to speak of. Defensively, he was one of the best big men in the league. He also played a significant role on a Dallas Mavericks team that won it all in 2011. Still, through his first few seasons in the league, Chandler was incredibly disappointing.