Chandler Parsons, Rockets
(Drafted No. 38; current rookie rank: No. 3)
Having to beat out lottery pick and All-American Marcus Morris for a spot in the rotation was a tough enough task for Parsons, who was largely an underachiever for most of his career at Florida. As a second-round pick, just getting a spot on the team was not even assured. But after arriving at camp, Parsons was not only good enough for the Rockets to send Morris to the D-League, but he started pressing starter Chase Budinger for playing time. Then he took that starting spot by playing good defense, hustling, making enough shots, finding opportunities to attack the rim on the offensive glass and just generally being a better player than Budinger.
At 6-foot-10, Parsons gives the Rockets the size they often need on defense. When he matched up with Kevin Durant in Oklahoma City, Durant scored a lot of points, but Parsons fought him every step of the way, something he didn’t always do in college. If he brings it every night in the NBA, he’s going to be a tough player to replace in the starting lineup.
– David Thorpe, ESPN Scouts Inc.
Marcus Morris: In three games before an ankle injury, the rookie first-round draft pick averaged 29.7 points on 49.3 percent shooting and 12.3 rebounds for the Rockets’ NBDL team.
Parsons Stats: The former Gator standout is averaging 7.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 steals in 23.5 minutes per game in 11 starts.
Chandler Parsons Listed No. 3 In ESPN Rookie Rankings
Chandler Parsons, Rockets
(Drafted No. 38; current rookie rank: No. 3)
Having to beat out lottery pick and All-American Marcus Morris for a spot in the rotation was a tough enough task for Parsons, who was largely an underachiever for most of his career at Florida. As a second-round pick, just getting a spot on the team was not even assured. But after arriving at camp, Parsons was not only good enough for the Rockets to send Morris to the D-League, but he started pressing starter Chase Budinger for playing time. Then he took that starting spot by playing good defense, hustling, making enough shots, finding opportunities to attack the rim on the offensive glass and just generally being a better player than Budinger.
At 6-foot-10, Parsons gives the Rockets the size they often need on defense. When he matched up with Kevin Durant in Oklahoma City, Durant scored a lot of points, but Parsons fought him every step of the way, something he didn’t always do in college. If he brings it every night in the NBA, he’s going to be a tough player to replace in the starting lineup.
– David Thorpe, ESPN Scouts Inc.
Marcus Morris: In three games before an ankle injury, the rookie first-round draft pick averaged 29.7 points on 49.3 percent shooting and 12.3 rebounds for the Rockets’ NBDL team.
Parsons Stats: The former Gator standout is averaging 7.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 steals in 23.5 minutes per game in 11 starts.
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