Memphis Grizzlies: Ranking Their Offseason Priorities
No. 1(a): Getting Chandler Parsons Healthy
Their main priority has to be getting a fully healthy Chandler Parsons. At exit interviews, the players, the front office and coach Fizdale are reiterated how important Parsons is to this team.
Regardless of your opinion of him, you can’t deny that Chandler Parsons at full – or even 80 percent – strength is huge for this team. He’s a big wing that could play either forward position. He can shoot the 3-ball, dish the rock and handle the basketball. His style of play unlocks complete “Fizdale-ball,” which is important as this team enters a new era of Memphis Grizzlies basketball.
If Parsons can get healthy and regain his confidence, this team’s ceiling becomes much more higher.
No. 1(b): Chandler Parsons Insurance Plan
One thing the Grizzlies didn’t make sure to do was find an insurance plan. By this, I mean they didn’t sign a backup that could contribute and handle starters’ minutes if Parsons couldn’t play.
They were lucky that a 40-year old Vince Carter dipped into the fountain of youth. Until the playoffs, James Ennis, was too inconsistent and inexperienced to garner starters’ minutes.
If they do go down my “Chandler Parsons Insurance Plan” route, here are some guys that could come cheap this summer:
- Omri Casspi
- Shabazz Muhammed
- Gerald Green
- Thabo Sefolosha
- (possibly) Tyreke Evans
Next: What's Next for the Grizz?
Any of those options are great. However, the most important priority is Chandler Parsons’ health. If his knees hold up, the Grizzlies are a threat to have home-court advantage in the first round. Even if he does play, they need someone who could step in and fill in for the oft-injured small forward.
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