Chandler Parsons is slated to become the most handsomely-paid reserve in the NBA.
Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale confirmed Sunday that Parsons will come off the bench to begin the season, with the potential to earn back his starting spot.
"Obviously, I'm going to be pushing him to play great minutes," Fizdale said. "But I see for us, right now, the role that's best for him is off the bench for us. I'm just letting him build and get rhythm, get his timing and all of that stuff back."
Parsons, 28, has largely disappointed since joining the Grizzlies last offseason on a four-year, $94-million deal. He's coming off three surgeries in as many years, and hasn't looked anything like the up-and-coming All-Star-caliber player he appeared to be early in his career with the Houston Rockets.
He averaged career lows across the board in 2016-17, posting just 6.2 points on 33.8 percent shooting to go along with 2.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 34 starts.
So, Parsons understands and accepts the demotion, while insisting it'll only be temporary.
"Obviously, we've had conversations about it and it's only fair, until I get my minutes up and my rhythm back to make sure I’m playing every game," he said. "It makes the most sense to start off coming off the bench and give the starting five time to create the chemistry and get into routines and get everyone's role locked in."
He's due $23 million this season, and will try to help Memphis to its eighth straight trip to the playoffs.
