The Grizzlies are 34-24 without a completely healthy Chandler Parsons. But it’s necessary for him to start playing at a high level if Memphis wants to make a deep playoff-run.
The Memphis Grizzlies acquired Chandler Parsons in July of 2016 following his second knee surgery in two seasons. With many members on the current roster in favor and willing to help in his recruitment, Memphis was able to secure Parsons’ on a four-year, $94 million max-contract.
His performance so far in Memphis has been less-than-ideal. Realistically speaking, there’s been much more negative than positive.
And that’s okay.
Not only is Parsons openly aggravated with his current play, he’s also familiar with his healing process. He’s been there before.
First injuring his knee in 2015, Parsons spent the offseason in surgery and rehab. After a tough minutes restriction for months of the 2016 season, he averaged 19.6 points per game in the 15 games prior to re-injuring the same knee.
He was playing elite basketball.
Today, a second knee injury kept Parsons on a minutes restriction for the majority of his first season in Memphis. He’s just not there yet.
Fans and media members alike, overwhelmed with his social presence and #Chancun vacation (Cancun, but with Chan), have expressed concern with his decisions. That concern escalated with Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley posted a photo on Instagram – working out in a basketball gym.
Has the six-foot-ten sharpshooter produced in the manner that a $94 million dollar player should produce? No, but even he knows it’s a process:
Yes. But things like this take time. #trusttheprocess https://t.co/U7RezlVUvA
— Chandler Parsons (@ChandlerParsons) February 20, 2017
Averaging just over six points in 19 minutes (and steadily rising), it’s only up from here.