Tom Chambers

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Chambers joined the Suns in 1988 after being advised by players union head Larry Fleisher to not accept Seattle's qualifying offer, leading to a new collective bargaining agreement that created unrestricted free agency for players with at least seven years in the league and two NBA contracts. In Phoenix, he was encouraged to shoot profusely, peaking at 27.2 points per game in 1989–90. He scored a Suns-franchise-record 60 points on March 24, 1990, against his former team the Sonics while playing through a hamstring injury. Former Seattle teammate Xavier McDaniel joined the team in 1990–91, and the now 31-year-old Chambers accepted a more team-oriented role. The arrival of head coach Paul Westphal and the acquisition of Charles Barkley for the 1992–93 season saw Chambers play mostly off the bench as a sixth man due to the glut of forwards. Chambers noted his feelings about his relationship with Westphal: "Paul is a real creative coach and will do a lot of different things. But he just wasn't comfortable with me. I think that's one of the reasons why I didn't play as well. I was always second-guessing myself." He made his only appearance in the NBA Finals in 1993, playing a key role in Game 3 by hitting the tying lay-up to force double overtime in a game the Suns won in triple overtime. In what would be his last game with the Suns, he scored 12 points in a 99–98 Game 6 loss to the Chicago Bulls.

In Their Own Story

The arena hums with tension as the clock winds down in the fourth quarter against the Seattle SuperSonics on March 24, 1990. Chambers catches a pass near the elbow, his defender closing tight to cut off driving lanes. With a sudden burst of strength, he spins into the lane, absorbing contact before releasing a soft jumper that kisses the rim and drops through. The crowd erupts, recognizing the signature move of the man who would finish with a Suns-franchise-record 60 points, all while playing through a hamstring injury. He does not celebrate wildly; instead, he simply points to the bench, signaling trust in his teammates. This quiet confidence defined his leadership style throughout his years in Phoenix.

Reader's Guide

Tom Chambers arrived in Phoenix in 1988 as the first unrestricted free agent in NBA history, signing a lucrative contract with the Suns. His primary role was that of an elite scorer who could operate from the post or step out for mid-range shots, providing versatility that fit the fast-paced system perfectly. Over five seasons with the organization, he evolved into a cornerstone player, making three All-Star appearances. He became synonymous with clutch moments during critical playoff matchups, including the 1993 NBA Finals against the two-time defending champion Chicago Bulls. In Game 3 of the Finals, he hit the tying lay-up to force double overtime in a game the Suns won in triple overtime. Chambers is remembered for his durability and fierce competitiveness that energized the home crowd. He was inducted into the Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor in 1999 and his number was later formally retired by the team.

Did You Know?

• Chambers became the first unrestricted free agent in NBA history when he signed with the Suns in 1988.
• He scored a Suns-franchise-record 60 points on March 24, 1990, against his former team the Seattle SuperSonics while playing through a hamstring injury.
• Chambers was inducted into the Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor in 1999 and his number was later formally retired by the team.
• In the 1993 NBA Finals, he hit the tying lay-up to force double overtime in Game 3, which the Suns won in triple overtime.
• Chambers was a two-time All-NBA Second Team selection during his career.