Chandler Parsons: Why He Needs To Be A Difference Maker

After the Dallas Mavericks dropped their second consecutive game, this one to the Brooklyn Nets, it was evident how vital a healthy Tyson Chandler is to this team.

On Feb. 28, the Nets made their way to American Airlines Center and despite playing with a makeshift roster, the Mavericks were expected to defeat their road weary opponent. Brooklyn (24-33) had played the night before and they were only 3-10 on the season on the second night of back-to-back games.

Tyson Chandler was unable to play because of a hip flexor injury that also kept him out of the Mavericks’ 104-87 loss against the Atlanta Hawks on Feb. 25. Without Chandler in the paint, Nets center Mason Plumlee had his way with the Mavericks’ depleted frontcourt, scoring 17 points and collecting 10 rebounds. Plumlee is a solid young center, but he should not have been able to operate as freely as he did in the paint.

Jan 27, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) guards Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons (25) during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Mavericks 109-90. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Tyson wasn’t the only Chandler absent from the court in this disappointing loss to another subpar Eastern Conference team. Chandler Parsons also watched from the bench as he missed his fourth consecutive game with a sprained left ankle. While they may have similar names, only one Chandler has made a significant impact on the court, and that shouldn’t be the case.

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Parsons (26) was signed from the Houston Rockets after averaging 16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game during the 2013-14 season. Parsons is doing roughly what he did in Houston, but the numbers fail to tell the entire story when it comes to his impact in Dallas.

Per Basketball-Reference.com, Parsons is averaging 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game through his 54 games with the Dallas Mavericks. Parsons and those similar numbers in Houston came while he was still on his rookie contract that paid him less than $1 million per season. Expectations are higher this season in Dallas after Parsons signed a three-year contract worth $46 million in the offseason.

As Parsons signed the Mavs’ bold offer sheet, it was recognized by those who follow basketball closely that Dallas had to slightly overpay for Parsons’ services. This was no real shock as that is often the case when it comes to signing a restricted free agent. A more modest offer would have quickly been matched by Rockets general manager Daryl Morey.

The Mavericks signed Parsons to provide Rick Carlisle with another versatile weapon that could complete the offense. There was also hope that Parsons’ possessed the talent and work ethic to become the next face of the franchise.

Dec 28, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons (25) celebrates making a basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

While he’s been a solid addition, he has yet to consistently demonstrate that he was worthy of the massive contract that he received. If the Mavericks were rebuilding they could afford the luxury of being patient as Parsons works to find his groove, but that is not the case.

With Parsons out of the lineup, the Mavericks have been able to replace the majority of his production with the combination of forwards Richard Jefferson and Al-Farouq Aminu. While it’s a credit to Jefferson and Aminu, a player of Parsons’ caliber should not be so easily replaced.

Parsons is expected back within the next week and the Mavericks need the best that he has to offer. Parsons will join a Dallas team that now has Amar’e Stoudemire manning the backup power forward position.

Feb 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Devin Harris (20) and guard J.J. Barea (5) congratulate Dallas Mavericks center Amar /

This will limit the amount of time that Al-Farouq Aminu plays that position, meaning he will continue to see more time at small forward, the same position that Parsons plays. Even with Parsons coming back, Aminu should still spend a great deal of time on the court.

Aminu’s energy, defense and rebounding ability are key attributes to NBA success that are in short supply in Dallas. Parsons will have to quickly acclimate to the changes that have taken place in Dallas, because there is very little room for error in the Western Conference.

With matchups against teams like the Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers facing Dallas over the next two weeks, every member of the Mavericks’ lineup will need to contribute.

Jan 14, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons (25) drives to the basket against Denver Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo (10) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 114-107. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s hard to envision Rajon Rondo developing an adequate shot over the next two months, and while Dirk Nowitzki remains effective, he’s a few years and nearly 200 games removed from the 2011 season.

This Mavericks have a deep lineup and a number of good players. That’s where Parsons comes in, and whether you think it’s fair or not, he was brought in to be a difference maker, not just a good player.

The Mavericks can make the playoffs, and maybe even win a playoff series or two if Parsons just stays the course. While that’s nice, the goal in Dallas this season is to win a championship, and it takes more than good players to win those. It takes difference makers.

Next: NBA: 50 Greatest Players Of All Time

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