Former Tennessee Star Kennedy Chandler Shines in NBA Debut

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Kennedy Chandler, a former standout guard for the Tennessee Volunteers, made his NBA season debut for the Utah Jazz on Saturday. Chandler, who was drafted in the second round, finished the game with 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills despite the Jazz falling short against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Why it matters

Chandler's strong debut is a positive sign for the Jazz, who are looking to build around their young core. As a second-round pick, Chandler will need to continue to prove himself in order to earn a more permanent spot on the Jazz's roster, but his performance suggests he has the potential to be a valuable contributor.

The details

Chandler, who spent one season at Tennessee before declaring for the NBA Draft, has been playing in the G League this season and has been among the league's assists leaders. In his NBA debut, the rookie guard came off the bench and made an immediate impact, scoring efficiently and facilitating the offense. While the Jazz ultimately fell to the 76ers, Chandler's effort was a bright spot and could earn him more playing time going forward.

• Chandler made his NBA season debut on March 21, 2026.
• The Jazz are set to take on the Toronto Raptors on Monday.

What’s next

The Jazz are set to take on the Toronto Raptors on Monday, which will be another opportunity for Chandler to showcase his skills and potentially earn more playing time.