Parsons: Choosing Grizzlies proves basketball is No. 1 priority
In selecting the Grizzlies, Chandler Parsons became the biggest free agent to sign in Memphis. The small forward chose the Grindhouse because he wants to win.
"Me making this decision to come to Memphis should show everybody that basketball is obviously my No. 1 priority," Parsons told ESPN's Tim MacMahon on Tuesday. "I think we have something special here and we're going to win here ... I just made a decision to come to the Grit 'n Grind city of Memphis for a reason. That's to play basketball and win."
Though it may seem like an unusual pairing - Memphis is known for its Grit 'n Grind culture, while Parsons is known by many as a pretty boy - the Florida native denies that distinction and is convinced he's the perfect fit for the team.
"I compete, I play hard, I'm tough," he said. "That's kind of how I got my niche in the league, doing all the dirty things. Playing under Kevin McHale (in Houston), I was taught from my rookie year to take charges, dive on the floor. As my career has progressed, I've changed a little bit, but that's who I am as well.
"I think you add a guy like me who's hungry and willing to take the big shot, and really be the versatile forward that this team's been missing. I think my game really complements their game and vice versa. Grit 'n Grind or not, I think we're going to mesh very, very well together, and I think those guys are a perfect group of players to play with me."
Parsons was also courted by the Portland Trail Blazers but ultimately chose Memphis because he feels "extremely comfortable" with the management and coach David Fizdale, with whom he has an existing relationship having played for him in the Rising Stars Challenge at the 2013 All-Star weekend.
The coach, who's credited with helping develop wing players, including LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami as well as Joe Johnson in Atlanta - sold Parsons on his vision for him.
"(Fizdale) made unbelievable points about how my usage rate has been down my entire career," the 27-year-old explained. "The way he's going to use me in this offense, I think I can really flourish and be the best player I can be."
He didn't prosper in his last two campaigns as a member of the Dallas Mavericks, in part because he was sidelined by injuries but also, in his opinion, because he "never really had the opportunity, the keys to the offense."
Parsons averaged 14.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 31.4 minutes per contest as a Maverick. He also finished eighth in the NBA in effective field-goal percentage, and ninth in 3-point accuracy this past season.