OKC Thunder: Biggest “What If?” Moments in Team History
By JM VanSant
Apr 26, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) reacts to a call during the game against the Houston Rockets in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Rockets 121-109. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
5. Tyson Chandler Fails His Physical
The Thunder were all set to acquire superstar rebounder and lob-catcher extraordinaire Tyson Chandler in exchange for Chris Wilcox, Joe Smith , and the rights to DeVon Hardin. Then, disaster struck the day after the deal had been struck. Chandler failed his mandatory trade physical due to a toe injury and general manager Sam Presti rescinded the deal.
So instead of having a future defensive player of the year and All-Star patrolling the paint with Serge Ibaka, the Thunder were left with Kendrick Perkins meandering around for the next five years. Just imagine how far that OKC team would’ve gone with Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green, Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka, and Chandler all on the floor. Woah. Why did Tyson have to fail his physical? Clearly, the toe injury didn’t limit his abilities over the next few seasons.
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