Tom Chambers, a towering presence on the basketball court, became known for his scoring ability and athleticism during his time in the NBA. Born on June 21, 1959, in Ogden, Utah, Chambers grew up honing his skills and eventually played college basketball at the University of Utah. His performance there caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection as the eighth overall pick in the 1981 NBA Draft by the San Diego Clippers.
Chambers' professional career began with the Clippers, where he played for two seasons. His time with the team was marked by steady improvement, but it was his move to the Seattle SuperSonics in 1983 that truly allowed him to flourish. During his five seasons with the SuperSonics, Chambers developed into a prolific scorer, known for his ability to drive to the basket and his impressive shooting range for a player of his size.
The 1986-87 season was a breakout year for Chambers. He averaged 23.3 points per game and earned his first NBA All-Star selection. His performance in the All-Star Game was particularly memorable, as he scored 34 points and was named the game's Most Valuable Player. This accolade highlighted his growing reputation as one of the league's top forwards.
In 1988, Chambers signed with the Phoenix Suns as a free agent, a move that would define the peak of his career. His arrival in Phoenix coincided with the team's resurgence, and he quickly became a fan favorite. During the 1988-89 season, Chambers averaged a career-high 27.2 points per game, ranking him among the league's top scorers. His scoring prowess helped lead the Suns to the Western Conference Finals, and he was named to the All-NBA Second Team.
Chambers continued to be a dominant force for the Suns over the next few seasons, earning two more All-Star selections in 1989 and 1990. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, combined with his agility and size, made him a difficult matchup for opponents. In 1990, he was named to the All-NBA Second Team once again, solidifying his status as one of the premier forwards in the league.
As the 1990s progressed, Chambers' role with the Suns began to change with the emergence of younger stars like Charles Barkley. In 1993, he left Phoenix and joined the Utah Jazz, where he played a supporting role alongside Karl Malone and John Stockton. Chambers' experience and scoring ability provided valuable depth to the Jazz, who were perennial playoff contenders during his tenure.
After two seasons with the Jazz, Chambers briefly played for the Charlotte Hornets and then the Philadelphia 76ers. In 1997, he took his talents overseas, joining Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel for a short stint before returning to the NBA for one final season with the Suns in 1997-98.
Throughout his career, Chambers was known for his scoring ability, finishing with over 20,000 points. His combination of size, speed, and shooting touch made him a unique player during his era. Chambers retired from professional basketball in 1998, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most prolific scorers of his time.
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