This summer, the Grizzlies added versatile small forward Chandler Parsons, who averaged 13.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game last season. Memphis bet big on Parsons by giving him a four-year, $94 million max contract, despite the fact that he underwent season-ending knee surgery in March.
The 28-year-old Parsons has been limited in preseason and according to reports, Memphis fans will have to wait to see what their new addition brings, as the team will not clear Parsons—who had a second knee surgery in May—for the opener.
Here’s more from ESPN:
Forward Chandler Parsons will not be cleared to play in the Memphis Grizzlies’ season opener as the team continues to exercise caution in his return from the second surgery on his right knee, coach David Fizdale told reporters Monday.
The knee was the primary reason that the Dallas Mavericks did not attempt to re-sign Parsons, who signed a four-year, $94 million maximum contract with the Grizzlies in free agency. Parsons had season-ending surgeries on the knee each of the past two years.
Parsons began full participation in Grizzlies practices last week and hoped to be cleared to play in the opener. He told ESPN over the weekend that he was experiencing “no problems at all with the knee.” However, Parsons understood that the Grizzlies would err on the side of caution after making such a major financial investment in him, plus he needs to work his way into basketball shape.
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David Fizdale Says Chandler Parsons and LeBron James Have The Same Skill Set
March 2016: Chandler Parsons Reportedly Needs Season-Ending Knee Surgery
