Could Chandler Parsons Turn His Fortunes in Redemption Game Against Dallas?

The $94M man himself, Chandler Parsons, hasn’t found his rhythm, and Grizzlies fans are unhappy. Could this matchup in Dallas turn everything around?

Earlier in the offseason, it looked like it’d be a typical offseason in Dallas. Mark Cuban and Chandler Parsons were going to run the recruiting scene and land a new piece to the puzzle. As told perfectly by ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, with Parsons’ contract impending, after a night out, Cuban received the half-joking, half-serious ultimatum: “max or nothing …”

Well, it was nothing.

Dallas was concerned about his knee and set their sights elsewhere. After a bidding war with Portland, the Grizzlies landed their biggest free agent acquisition when they signed Parsons to a 4-year, $94M contract. He was the ideal small forward that could help Mike Conley, Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph and Tony Allen bring a championship to Beale Street.

Going into the season, many people saw Chandler Parsons as the missing piece for the Grizzlies’ championship puzzles, but next to it you’d see a giant asterisk for health. That asterisk is in full effect.

After making his debut a few weeks into the season, Parsons was gaining momentum and showing signs of promises. Then, a bone bruise in the opposite knee derailed him. He missed an entire month and was set back in his minute restrictions.

Because of those darn knees, Chandler Parsons is playing the worst basketball in his career. He’s averaging a career-low 6.1 points (first time below 10 points since his rookie season), 2.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists. Furthermore, his field-goal and 3-point shooting numbers (34.2,25.9) are totally off his career numbers (46.7, 37.4).

Along with his terrible basketball, his social media (CHANCUN) and off-the-court news with celebrities such as Kate Beckinsale, Kendall Jenner and Bella Thorne has Grizzly fans infuriated.

Must Read: Why Chancun Could Be Good for Parsosn

In an interview this week, Dave Fizdale made the ultimate clap-back:

As the Grizzlies travel to Dallas for a Southwest Division showdown, could Chandler Parsons redeem himself and prove to not only Memphis, but his former team as well, that he deserved that fat paycheck?

Deja vu

Prior to his bone bruise injury, Parsons showed out against his old team. He scored 12 points, connecting on three of his five 3-point attempts. The more important thing in this game was that he showed what this Grizzlies team could be with him functioning in the offense.

While that Mavericks team looks totally different (and way worse) than this Mavericks team, Parsons could be driven in this game to prove his worth.

In addition, the Grizzlies could receive a little deja vu as his presence was a major factor in that win. However, he must prove that he could play at such a level consistently.

If he could do that, he’d unlock an entirely new dimension for the Grizzlies.

Key word: “if.”

3 Ways Parsons Can Break Out

1. Don’t force anything

While he’s trying to get some momentum going, Chandler Parsons has forced some rough plays.

Chandler must let the game come to him in order to find his rhythm.

2. Find Sweet Spots on the Court

Some of Parsons’ best plays this year have been off assists. While his speed isn’t near his top form, he can’t really find any looks by isolating. Therefore, he must continue moving off the ball and finding the open spots.

Finding the open spot leads me to my next point …

3. SHOOT YOUR SHOT

We’ve seen Chandler be a great shooter both on and off the court. Recently, he’s been hesitant in shooting the long ball. To truly get rolling in this one, he has to come out firing from downtown.

Hopefully, Parsons just lets it fly right in front of his former boss and forever bro Mark Cuban.

Next: All-Star Break Review: Chandler Parsons

Game Info

WHO: Memphis Grizzlies @ Dallas Mavericks

WHERE: American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX

WHEN: 7:30 PM – CT

HOW TO WATCH: Fox Sports Southeast (or any online stream)

HOW TO LISTEN: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis

BETTING ODDS: Memphis (-2.5); Over/Under (190).

Tune in tomorrow night for live updates and (kinda) funny tweets @BealeStBearsFS.