On Wednesday night, the 2-6 Phoenix Suns will square off against the Detroit Pistons at home, but they’ll be without center Tyson Chandler in the lineup. According to an official statement he released via Suns.com, Tyson’s mother has passed away after battling cancer.
Condolences to Tyson and his loved ones from the entire Suns family. pic.twitter.com/0rL68FDljK
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 10, 2016
Here’s the full text of the release:
“The First Love of My Life, My Mother, Vernie Re Threadgill, won her battle with cancer on November 8 and transitioned to Heaven to be with Our Lord and Savoir Jesus Christ. She won because she is no longer in pain and her sickness is healed in Heaven. My Dad William and My Brothers Tervon and Terrell along with all of her family and close friends will miss her with every beat of our hearts.”
Chandler also missed the Suns’ game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night, a 124-121 loss. Despite his team’s struggles, the 34-year-old center, who is in his 16th NBA season, has proven that he can still be an effective contributor. He’s currently averaging 7.4 points and 13.3 rebounds per game, while shooting better than 67 percent from the field.
There’s no word currently on whether Chandler will travel with the team when they go to play the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday.
