Memphis Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons has struggled to see floor time, but this season saw more in one, and gave fans hope of what is to come.
Since Chandler Parsons signed his max contract almost two years ago, he has been the face of a lot of things, but progression isn’t something Grizzlies fans were wanting. For now, Parsons is showing progressions, signs, and most of all hope in this franchise. At a time when a lot of people would snap or get tired of the questions about his “fragile” knees, Parsons has shown quiet progression.
Take a look back:
Remember the first ten games when the Grizzlies were killing it? Me too, and among those Grizzlies ‘killing it’ was Parsons. Parsons had accepted a role off the bench that he was very good at and had games where he scored in the teens.
What did we see?
Hustling, rebounding, and shooting the three point ball at 42 percent a game this season. Averaging almost eight a game isn’t the best, but his defense has been something that we did not think we’d get from Parsons. If it weren’t from a jammed knee that followed with swelling that could not be controlled throughout a long season, Parsons could’ve played a huge role on the team this season.
His role next season?
It is tough for me to sit here and tell all of the fans stuck on 94 million dollars that Parsons is still good, which he is, but I will tell you something more. This team goes only as far as Parsons goes, and what I mean by that is: Guard Tyreke Evans is likely heading out the door. This means that the bench needs a leader, and someone that can score anywhere, and Parsons can be that player next season. Not the quickest, but somehow can get to the rim at will, shoot the three point shot consistently and can get the ball up the court.
The numbers do not lie, Parsons has not been worth the 94 million dollars, but he will be the first one to tell you that you’re probably right, and that he expects more out of himself. Next season, he will play a pivotal role on this team, but similar to Wayne Selden it just comes down to health.