Grizzlies' Parsons after 0-for-8 debut: 'My knee feels fine'

Chandler Parsons' first game in a Memphis Grizzlies uniform was not memorable from a production standpoint. And even after a 100-94 home loss to the Portland Trail Blazers Sunday, he found a silver lining.

"It's pretty much the only good news I've got for you guys," Parsons told reporters. "My knee feels fine."

The 28-year-old made his Memphis debut after sitting out the Grizzlies' first six games and all of the preseason in the wake of March surgery on his right knee.

His line was rough: Zero points on 0-for-8 shooting with three rebounds and two turnovers. Still, Parsons didn't expect to come out on fire and was just happy to be back on the court.

"It's been seven months since I've played basketball," he said. "I didn't really expect to come out and dominate ... now I gotta put it all together and get wins."

The four-year, $95-million deal Parsons signed with the Grizzlies in the offseason came with plenty of concern regarding injuries. Not only did knee surgery end last season with the Dallas Mavericks for him, it did the year before as well.

If healthy, Parsons is expected to bring a new dimension to the Grizzlies in terms of spacing and facilitating from a combo forward spot. Sunday's loss was the second in a row for Memphis, with the Denver Nuggets coming to town Tuesday and a four-game road trip to follow.