By Michael Wallace
Grind City Media
MEMPHIS – Grizzlies’ forward Chandler Parsons will again be reminded just where the target stands when he lines up across from one of his former teams Friday night at FedExForum.
It was three seasons ago as a member of the Houston Rockets when Parsons had the most productive season of his six-year NBA career. It was while playing alongside James Harden and Patrick Beverley during the 2013-14 season when Parsons averaged nearly 17 points, six rebounds and four assists in 74 games to emerge as one of the NBA’s most versatile perimeter threats.
But soon after breaking through, Parsons began to break down. Still, two lucrative contracts followed in free agency, but so did two surgeries on the same right now. And now, two teams later, Parsons maintains expectations to ultimately return to the peak form from his Houston days that made him one of the most enticing and talented teases in the league.
“I’m going to get back to that level of play, but I know it won’t happen overnight or in a week or maybe even in a month,” Parsons assures amid returning from his latest setback. “Right now, it’s just about building towards that. It’s about going out there, trying to find a rhythm and doing whatever I can in how many ever minutes I play and do what’s needed to help this team win some games.”
For now, anything beyond avoiding another setback in his comeback should be considered a bonus. Having missed all but seven games this season while recovering from issues with both knees, Parsons is set to play in only his third home game – and first since Nov. 8 – since he signed a four-year, $94 million ambitious contract in July as the biggest incoming free agent in team history.
Parsons was reinserted into the starting lineup for Wednesday’s win in Detroit after sitting out 18 games with a bruised left knee. Before that, he played in six consecutive games after missing the first two weeks of the season while finishing up rehab from a second right knee surgery back in March that ended his season with the Dallas Mavericks. Parsons hopes to incrementally build Friday on an expectedly rusty effort in Detroit, where he missed four of five shots from the field and finished with two points, two rebounds and two assists in 15 minutes.
Should coach David Fizdale go with the same lineup against the Rockets (22-8), it would mark only the third time this season the Grizzlies’ projected starting unit of Parsons, Mike Conley, Tony Allen, JaMychal Green and Marc Gasol has opened a game together. That group has also logged just 23 minutes of court time together through 31 games this season.
But just having Parsons back in the fold provides an encouraging boost as the Grizzlies (19-12) close out a demanding December slate of a season-high 17 games in 31 days. Fizdale wants Parsons to simply focus on the smaller details that accompany working his way back from an extended absence.
“Anything he gives us is a boost – so I really don’t expect a lot,” Fizdale said. “But he’s so talented, you just never know. You’ve got a skilled guy who can make shots. But like I told him, ‘Don’t feel you’ve got to save us. Just play within yourself, get a feel for the game, play hard and I’ll get you quick breathers.’”
Fizdale admits that the overall team execution “hasn’t been pretty” in games when key veterans have returned from injury absences. But Parsons’ return on Wednesday did reverse a recent trend of losses in such games. Memphis had lost to the Cavaliers, Kings and Jazz after getting back Vince Carter, Conley and James Ennis, respectively, over the last two weeks.
“It’s not going to take too much time for us to get going together and start developing that chemistry,” said Parsons, who in seven games has averaged 6.9 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 37.3 percent. “Our system, the way we play, the way these guys are, I think I’ll be able to adjust pretty quickly. I’ll manage the soreness in my knees and continue to get better and better every single game. I know I’m going to be rusty for a while. But right now, I just want to chip in any way that I can.”
HEALTH REPORT
For the Grizzlies, Gasol entered Friday listed as probable with a right shoulder contusion. The ailment stemmed from an inadvertent blow Gasol took after blocking Andre Drummond’s shot late in Wednesday’s victory in Detroit. Gasol finished the game and tied his career high with 38 points. He received treatment during Thursday’s day off. Deyonta Davis (foot) and Brandan Wright (ankle) are out. For the Rockets, center Clint Capela (knee) is out.
NUMBERS WATCH
1,666. If there is one clear directive on the Grizzlies’ scouting report entering Friday’s game against Houston, it better be to defend the three-point line. The Rockets have already attempted 1,666 threes this season, which are at least 250 more than any other team in the league and the most by a team through the first 30 games in NBA history. The Rockets have made at least 15 threes in 16 games, with three players (Harden, Eric Gordon and Trevor Ariza) already with at least 200 attempts.
KEEP AN EYE ON
James Ennis. Tony Allen, of course, is Grind City’s resident perimeter defensive catalyst and has returned to All-NBA form after overcoming nagging injuries earlier this season. But even the GrindFather can’t defend everyone at once, especially on a Rockets’ team filled with perimeter gunners. And that’s why Ennis’ return to the lineup has been so crucial for the Grizzlies these past few games. Outside of Gasol, Ennis was easily the most impactful performer in Wednesday’s 12-point win in Detroit. His length, athleticism and instincts were vital in holding Detroit’s top shooting guards and small forwards to a combined 7-for-28 from the field. Ennis had five points, five rebounds, two steals, two blocks and an assist in his last game. He played just 15 minutes off the bench, yet was a plus-22 in net plus-minus. How do you accomplish that? By darting between defensive assignments all over the floor as if your feet are on fire.
GRIZZ-TAKE
Conley on watching Gasol take over games with dominant play on both ends – It’s fun to watch. It’s fun to be a part of these games, especially for me. I’m like, ‘I don’t have to do much tonight; he’s got it wrapped up.’ You can tell (it’s coming) when he’s locked in at shootaround and in meetings. You can tell it’s a different demeanor when he takes something personal.
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