The San Antonio Spurs drafted former Tennessee standout Kennedy Chandler with the 38th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft Thursday, later trading the talented young guard to Memphis.
To many, it comes as a surprise to see Chandler drop so low in the draft, one that emphasizes potential over a resume at the college level. Chandler was projected as a first-round pick in most mock drafts.
The Spurs drafted Chandler and traded the rights to Memphis. Chandler will be united with former Vol Yves Pons and will learn under one of the most dynamic point guards in the league in Ja Morant while also returning to his home town.
Chandler is the sixth Vol to be drafted in the past four seasons, joining Grant Williams, Jordan Bone, Admiral Schofield, Keon Johnson and Jaden Springer. He joins Schofield and Bone as recent Vols drafted beyond the first round.
It’s not a stretch to say Chandler is one of the more electrifying athletes Tennessee has ever produced. The Sunrise Christian five-star prospect is the third highest rated recruit the Vols have signed all-time, behind only Scotty Hopson and Tobias Harris.
Chandler’s 13.9 points and 4.7 assists per game led Tennessee as a freshman. He also had some of the best defensive hands in the country, totaling 74 steals on the season. The Memphis native led all guards with a .464 shooting percentage and was one of the top 3-point shooters in the SEC. He shot just over 38% from beyond the arc on the season.
Chandler earned a host of awards during his one and only season on Rocky Top. He was integral in Tennessee’s SEC Championship run in Tampa, Florida, averaging 18 points per game and putting on a masterclass against Kentucky, scoring 19 points on 7-13 shooting.
His efforts earned the budding freshman an SEC Tournament MVP. he was also placed on the SEC All-Tournament Team for his efforts alongside Santiago Vescovi and Josiah-Jordan James.
Rounding out Chandler’s award in 2021-22 are selections to the All-SEC Freshman Team, All-SEC Second Team honors and a Top 10 finish for the Bob Cousy Award, recognizing the top point guard in America.
