Into the Bears’ Den: Our ‘Hot Take’ NBA and Grizzlies predictions

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Ian’s Grizz Prediction: Chandler Parsons, not Ken Bone, makes the NBA All-Star Game

I’m going to say it, guys, I’m going to say a Memphis Grizzlies-related milestone is reliant on someone staying healthy. I’ve yet to see Chandler Parsons play in a Memphis Grizzlies uniform, but after watching the Grizzlies’ preseason game against the Thunder and the spacing they had on offense, I immediately saw where Parsons would fit in. He’ll have a plethora of open 3s to take, and also room to drive after a pump fake from the perimeter.

Sep 26, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons (25) poses for a picture at Don Poier Media Center. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons (25) poses for a picture at Don Poier Media Center. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

With the increased spacing comes more passing, and that could help Parsons’ passing statistics. If he gets minutes at power forward, which we fully expect, his rebounding stats will go up, too. He’s not a point guard, so he doesn’t have to fight through the Western Conference’s eliteness at that position like his teammate Mike Conley.

He’s not an elite defensive player, but wouldn’t that make Parsons all the more fitting for an All-Star Game?

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