Memphis Grizzlies: 5 takeaways from first loss of the season

No. 3: Chandler Parsons might be more important than people realize

New year, same minute restrictions. The Memphis Grizzlies are still planning to rest Chandler Parsons on one-half of back-to-back stretches until further notice.

It’s frustrating for all parties.

In this game, we saw how important he might be to this team, particularly the second unit.

Though Tyreke Evans did lead the charge in the first half for the second unit, the bench lacked a secondary playmaker and scoring weapon. Mario Chalmers struggled all night against the feisty J.J. Barea. Then, Dillon Brooks reminded everyone that he’s still a rookie.

With Parsons as a stretch-4, he spaces the floor — opening opportunities for not only himself, but for his teammates attacking the basket. Through this spacing, he has a high basketball IQ used to find leaks in the defense, to take the spot-up jumper or to make the extra pass.

In the three games he’s played this year, he’s shot 6-of-13 from the field and 4-of-7 from deep in 46 total minutes.

In limited minutes, he’s impressed defensively — not looking overmatched despite having weak knees. He’s also rebounded (career-best 6.3 rebounds per 36 minutes) and scored (14.9 points per 36 minutes) at a nice rate.

His playmaking, scoring and overall production are important for the well-oiled machine that is the Grizzlies’ bench. In this game, his absence was definitely felt.

Hopefully, this minutes restriction stuff is done soon.