might not win as many rings, but he can definitely play the role. (Photo Credit: NBA.com)
Much of the talk around the Houston Rockets this off-season has focused on how Dwight Howard and James Harden could be the men to deliver the franchise their first title since 1995. In their recent past, the Rockets have paired up the likes of Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, and Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, with varying levels of success. The idea of two superstars teaming up always sounds great on paper, but doesn’t always materialize as imagined. Even on those rare occasions when it’s an undeniable success, there’s generally a supporting cast or role player that’s just as key. For this season’s Rockets Chandler Parsons could be that man.
Analyzing some of the great teams of the past 25 years there’s a recurring theme: two star players who act as their teams primary scorer and rebounder getting help from a role player who excels in his surroundings. The Bulls of the early 90’s had Jordan and Pippen supported by John Paxson. Derek Fisher played this role for the Lakers in both the Kobe and Shaq, and Kobe and Pau eras. While in San Antonio, Bruce Bowen was renowned for stepping up in big games. The greatest role player in NBA history though is surely Robert Horry. “Big Shot Rob” won 7 rings across a glittering career where despite never posting ‘elite’ numbers, he was a champion for the Lakers, Spurs and the Rockets. For his career, Horry averaged only 7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists a game, and never made an All-Star team, yet he was so often the difference maker. When Drexler and Olajuwon got their championship in 1995, Horry was a vital component wearing the number 25 on the back of his Rockets jersey.
The Recruiter
Today, Parsons is the man with that number on his back. The Florida native enters his 3rd season with an opportunity to emulate the great Horry’s role in Houston. Taken with the 38th overall pick, Parsons has quickly become a fan favorite in H-Town, and one of the most respected figures in the locker room. So much so, that Parsons joined the likes of his teammate Harden, franchise legends Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Yao Ming and Dikembe Mutombo, Head Coach Kevin McHale and General Manager Daryl Morey when it was the Rockets turn to pitch to Dwight Howard. It’s widely known that Parsons heavily recruited Howard, and the All Star center has admitted that the 24 year old played a major factor in his decision to come to Texas. Parsons and Howard had met through mutual friends when Howard was with the Magic and had stayed in contact since. When Parsons signed with Dan Fegan, Howard’s agent, contact intensified and in the end it paid off.
Fast Learner
In his rookie year, Parsons figured significantly for a second round pick. Playing 28 minutes he was averaging 9.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. But it was last season that Parsons thrust himself into the limelight. Upping his playing time to 36 minutes a night, the former Florida Gator averaged 15.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists. Although his blocks and steals decreased, Parsons cemented himself as an offensive presence increasing his Field Goal percentage from 45.2% up to 48.6% and his 3 point shooting from 33.7% to 38.5%. More important than either of those improvements was his work at the free throw line though. In his first season, Parsons shot a sub par 55.1% from the stripe, while last year this improved to a much more respectable 72.9%. This allowed Parsons to hit more clutch shots, as there was no longer a need for his teammates to fear passing to him in close game situations.
Parsons true breakout game came against the Oklahoma City Thunder last April. With the Rockets 0-3 against the Thunder in their first round Western Conference playoff series, Houston took to the Toyota Center knowing it was win or go home. With All-Star and Rockets scoring leader, James Harden, having an uncharacteristically quiet game (15 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists), Parsons took over. His full range was on display: long range 2’s, perimeter 3’s, lay ups, dunks, kick out passes and tenacious rebounds. Down the stretch with the game close, Parsons even went to the line to make some free throws. Thanks to their number 25, the Rockets came out with a 105-103 win to stay alive. Many people have speculated as to why Howard would be influenced by a second year combo forward with only solid numbers, I’d bet this game was a factor. Reminiscent of Horry, when his team needed him most Parsons proved that he’s capable of coming out of the shadows to lead his team to victory. At the tender age of 24, such character would have been just as appealing to Howard as the consistent scoring of Harden.
New Role
Coming into the Howard and Harden era, Parsons understands the importance of his role and how it will change. With the addition of a dominant center, the Rockets will run a lot more inside-out plays this year. This along with Harden’s knack of penetrating and kicking out to the open man, means that Parsons will often need to play the part of the spot up shooter.
Chandler Parsons Shot Chart 2012/13 (Credit: NBA.com/stats)
As last season’s shooting chart shows, Parsons is a competent long range shooter, and particularly accurate from the corners. If he could improve his percentages from the left and right wings, where he shoots 34.52% and 30.08% respectively, the Rockets would be near impossible for a defense to consistently stop. The bonus for the Rockets is how Parsons abilities couple with his basketball IQ. If Howard kicks the ball to him, and he doesn’t like the shot or sees a better option, Parsons can put the ball on the floor and cut to the hoop.
Over the coming months and years, Parsons consistent and solid output will help guide the Rockets to a lot of wins. And in close game situations, although they often won’t be drawing the plays up for him, if the ball comes to Parsons don’t be surprised to see him drain the clutch shot. Who knows, 15 years from now we might be reminiscing about “Big Shot Chan”.
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