by Alejandro de los Rios

Working with ESPNtheMag.com I had the opportunity to conduct this piece with Tyson Chandler, Jannero Pargo and Tyson’s wife, Kimberly. I highly encourage you to check it out and, if you are so inclined, to comment on both ESPN’s Web site and here.

FYI, the video was actually shot a month or two ago. In fact, it was originally meant to feature Tyson, Kimberly and Bobby Jackson. Jackson, as you all know, was traded at the deadline in a deal that brought over Mike James and Bonzi Wells from Houston. Luckily, Tyson thought of a replacement.

When Pargo and Chandler came to New Orleans, the two were already close and have grown closer as their lockers at Hornets Arena are side by side. It showed during the shooting of this piece. Jannero gave Tyson’s wife, Kimberly, a run for her money, knowing everything from how the couple met to Tyson’s favorite book.

But perhaps the most surprising thing about the two was their personalities. On the court Tyson is an intense and intimidating presence but is affable and engaging off of it. Jannero, the team’s high-energy spark plug off the bench, is calm and almost reserved — but not so much that it stopped him from poking fun at his super-sized teammate.

Not to be outdone, Kimberly did answer more questions right and wasn’t afraid to let us know that Tyson was upstaged by an elementary school student when he participated in a Read to Achieve program. It all made for a great interview.

Just for the record, I’m planning on trademarking a shirt with Tyson ripping down a ceiling fan. That line is too goof for it NOT become a nickname (Chandler-fan? Ceiling-Chand? Ceiling-Man? Help me out here, folks).