Fansided

Rick Carlisle hopes Mavericks retire Tyson Chandler’s number

By Mike Dyce

Apr 28, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rick Carlisle hopes the Dallas Mavericks retire Tyson Chandler’s number one day.

The Dallas Mavericks gambled on free agent DeAndre Jordan this summer, showing center Tyson Chandler he wasn’t their preferred option. Jordan spurned the Mavericks, as did Chandler, who signed with the Phoenix Suns this summer.

But Tyson Chandler will forever remain a hero in Dallas, where he helped the Mavericks win their first NBA championship in 2011 by leading the defensive charge and being an emotional leader.

Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle, who was a part of that 2011 title run, hopes that the Mavericks one day retire Chandler’s number.

“We have nothing but the utmost respect for him,” Carlisle said of the team’s feelings towards Chandler, according to the Dallas Morning News’ Eddie Sefko. “It’s my hope – and this of course is not my decision – that one day he will get consideration to have his number retired here. I think he deserves that consideration.

“And I know Mark really has great respect for him, even though the way things went twice. There are people that feel he doesn’t, but I know Mark has a lot of respect for Tyson and a lot of gratitude for what he did for us, as do I and our fans.”

It would be a rather big deal for a player who played just two seasons with a team have his number retired. He would join a list of just four players to have their numbers retired by a team after two or less seasons.

But the impact he made on the club is unquestioned and a big reason behind Carlisle’s opinion.

“My opinion is that he’s worthy and more than worthy based on history and just because he’s such a special person on top of it,” Carlisle said. “I know he’s in a good situation and he’s really going to help Phoenix.”

The Mavericks have only retired two numbers so far, but you’d have to think the dominant run of the Mavericks from Mark Cuban’s purchase to their 2011 title should result in several player’s getting their number retired.

It is unquestioned that Dirk Nowitzki’s number will be retired.

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