Memphis Grizzlies: The Extinction Of The Grit N’ Grind Era

The Chancun Purchase

Obviously, we have to start here. The disastrous result of the $94 million Chandler Parsons contract has been much-trumpeted, but can’t be understated.

When an ESPN 30 for 30  is inevitably made about the NBA’s completely ludicrous summer of 2016 spending spree, Parsons’ signing may go down as the worst. He’s amounted to nothing but empty hope, at an intolerably expensive rate.

The signing was made with the best of intentions. Memphis’ biggest needs in 2016 were shooting (still is), scoring (ditto), and a small forward.

Parsons happened to be all three. But coming off multiple knee surgeries, he was a massive risk at a max price tag but the team took a chance anyway.

Variance reared its ugly head; the Grizzlies were left with a worst-case scenario. Parsons has played a measly 73 games in two and a half seasons, only averaging seven points per game.

Parsons thus wound up the NBA’s single greatest financial burden. He severely shackled the front office’s ability to sustain depth around Gasol and Conley.

But while the Parsons signing was undoubtedly the root of Memphis’ peril, it was far from their final sin. Read on as we check out many more mistakes this team made.