Finding Chandler Parsons’ role with the Memphis Grizzlies

Chandler Parsons hasn’t been the third fiddle many expected when he inked a max contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. Where does he fit with the team now?

The Chandler Parsons experience has been disappointing, and that might be putting it nicely. As a huge career-long supporter of Parsons, it’s a shame to not see him produce on the Memphis Grizzlies.

The fit was absolutely there. For years, the Grizzlies needed a playmaking wing that could shoot the lights out from deep and score close to 20 points each night. He was supposed to be the guy that extended the Grizzlies’ “dark horse contender” window with the “Core 4.” In addition, the hope was to move forward with the trio of Parsons, Gasol and Conley.

It never happened, and it’s looking extremely unlikely that the vision will ever come to fruition. His body has failed him. His knees are weak — and no, I don’t know if his palms are sweaty or if his arms are heavy.

The Chandler Parsons that would drop 10 3’s on you has faded away. The Chandler Parsons that can dunk on your head out of nowhere has been betrayed, as his knees have derailed his career. It seems like years ago that Parsons averaged nearly 17 points, five rebounds and four assists in Houston.

Each passing day, it looks like it’ll never happen. As unfortunate as it is, sometimes your body betrays you.

That’s not to say that Chandler Parsons can still be a positive contributor for the Memphis Grizzlies. Even though he’s declined, he still possesses a high IQ and a nice shooting touch from deep to succeed for the remainder of his deal.

Could he still be a positive contributor for the Grizzlies? If so, what role will suit him best?

Starter

Depending on the Memphis Grizzlies’ draft outcome, Chandler Parsons should be starting at the 3 or the 4 next year.

Though JaMychal Green and Jarell Martin have been superb over the past two months, there are still benefits to starting Parsons at the 4 over them. Both Martin and Green might be better defenders, but the offensive potential with Parsons serving in a similar role to Ryan Anderson is intriguing.

He’s still lethal from downtown, as he’s shooting 40.4 percent from deep. In addition, he can still put the ball on the floor and create for other — something only a handful of stretch 4’s can do.

If the Grizzlies draft a power forward such as Marvin Bagley or Jaren Jackson, they could slide Parsons over to the 3 — his natural position. Though his athleticism has diminished, he’s still proven himself valuable on the perimeter this season. He’s had new life on defense and can actually stay in front of perimeter players. If this trend continues, they should explore moving him back to the 3. Otherwise, they could move Dillon Brooks to the starting 3 position.

Parsons still holds value as a floor-spacer and a secondary playmaker, even as a starter.

Off the bench leader

Having Parsons off the bench depends on whether or not Tyreke Evans is back. If they re-sign him, then have him be the sixth man and start Parsons. If they don’t bring Tyreke back for whatever reason, Parsons should be the sixth man.

At an early glance for next season, the Grizzlies will have so much youth on the bench. There’s Andrew Harrison, Ben McLemore, Wayne Selden (depending on whether or not he starts), Jarell Martin, Deyonta Davis and Ivan Rabb, to name a few. There needs to be a veteran presence off the bench. If Evans isn’t back, it should be Parsons.

He has played in high-pressure situations early in his career and possesses a high basketball-IQ. He can help ease these young guys into roles and would be a calming presence if the Grizzlies are playing postseason basketball.

It’s certainly not an ideal position for one of your max contract players to be in. However, if it helps the Grizzlies win ball games, you can’t really complain.

Expectations going forward

You hear the term “healthy Chandler Parsons” or “Chandler Parsons at 90 or 100 percent” thrown out there quite a bit in the Grizz Nation. If your idea of this is Dallas or Houston Parsons, you might be disappointed.

From this point on, Parsons’ goal should be to prove himself as a worthy contributor for the Memphis Grizzlies. If he can average 20-25 minutes a game and play in 50-60 games next season, that’s a huge win for the Grizzlies.

When it comes to averages, the 18-5-5 dream may be dead. However, if he can play efficient basketball and average 12-5-3 in about 25 minutes a game, that’s such an upgrade over the past two seasons.

The “Chandler Parsons: Third Wheel” dream may have faded away, but he has proven that he can still positively contribute for this Grizzlies team.