Memphis Grizzlies Player Preview: Chandler Parsons is Ultimate X-Factor

MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 6: Chandler Parsons #25 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Indiana Pacers during a pre-season game on October 6, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 6: Chandler Parsons #25 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Indiana Pacers during a pre-season game on October 6, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – SEPTEMBER 26: Chandler Parsons #25 of the Memphis Grizzlies passes the ball during a team practice on September 26, 2018 at FedExForum practice facility in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – SEPTEMBER 26: Chandler Parsons #25 of the Memphis Grizzlies passes the ball during a team practice on September 26, 2018 at FedExForum practice facility in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Safety Nets

While Parsons remains a dauntingly expensive game of Russian Roulette for the Memphis Grizzlies, they have done a decent job of protecting themselves should he crumble again.

They signed Kyle Anderson, who can do a little bit of everything and possibly play four positions. Garrett Temple, while not the cheapest pickup, could be serviceable. Dillon Brooks‘ current floor is an energetic two-way role player, with potential for yet more.

At best, Parsons can be a decent starter for Memphis, as our own Brendan Smart detailed last week. But even if his body fails him again, the Grizzlies are built far better than years’ past to sustain his absence.

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Memphis Grizzlies fans are right to approach Chandler Parsons’ upcoming season with trepidation. Counting on his health is fool-hearty. But with enough luck, he could be the missing piece that solidifies their return to playoff contention.