Parsons: New coach Fizdale drew me to Grizzlies
It appears the Memphis Grizzlies got more than just a new head coach when they hired former Miami Heat assistant David Fizdale to replace Dave Joerger. Turns out, they also got a pretty powerful recruiting tool.
After free-agent swingman Chandler Parsons agreed to a reported four-year, $94-million max deal Friday, he explained his decision to spurn other suitors - including the Portland Trail Blazers - and take his talents to Graceland.
"I really believed in coach Fiz," Parsons told ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "Nobody in the league has coached better wings than him."
Given the years Fizdale spent working with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami, that's tough to argue. Parsons also credited the addition of J.B. Bickerstaff as a Grizzlies assistant for his decision. Bickerstaff was an assistant with the Houston Rockets - with whom Parsons played the first three years of his career - before serving as their interim head coach for the final 76 games (including playoffs) this past season.
"I trust (Bickerstaff) with my life," Parsons said.
The now-former Dallas Maverick also touted his fit with his new squad, which is desperately in need of his 3-point shooting and playmaking on the wing.
"They have nobody like me, and their veteran, experienced players are a perfect fit with me," he said.
For all that, the choice wasn't an easy one for the 27-year-old Parsons, who apparently also has a yen for the Pacific Northwest.
"Toughest decision of my life though," he said. "Portland is incredible."