66 replies to this topic

[Rahat Huq]

20 points tonight in 30 minutes.

First, it's clear that Kevin McHale trusts him, hence the rapid promotion. This isn't very surprising as he's basically a taller Budinger: intelligent, fundamentally sound, skilled etc. While he may not be nearly as talented as someone like Terrence Williams, from a raw skill perspective, you can see the importance of 'understanding the game', to use a cliche.

What's been most surprising to me--and something i asked him about in the opener--is his tenacity on the boards. While he may not get heavy rebound totals, Parsons is always active on the glass and seems extremely comfortable hanging around inside.

Right now, he sort of reminds me of a Mike Dunleavy. Multi-dimensional, high IQ, etc.

Another Daryl Morey second-round steal.

It will be interesting to see how the competition between he and Bud unfolds. Which would the team prefer to keep if needing to move one in a deal?

[tombrokeoff]

man i loved bud last year but i like chandler better right now

[Rahat Huq]

I'd say he reminds me of Andrei Kirlenko.

Interesting comparison. There was a time when Kirilinko was the most coveted fantasy player in the league and a defensive nightmare. Parsons isn't anywhere near that class defensively, and is probably a bit better off the dribble, but I see the similarities in versatility.

[Rahat Huq]

man i loved bud last year but i like chandler better right now

Yeah, it's difficult. Can you keep both or are they too similar? Can you have two virtual clones on an NBA team or is that a waste of a roster spot?

I think if the team was going to trade one, it'd be Bud, simply because Parsons will be locked up on the cheap for longer.

[durvasa]

He's looking like a keeper, and honestly I think in terms of all-around skills he surpasses Terrence Williams. Williams's best skill is dunking. He has good passing instincts, but it doesn't translate into actually making his teammates better.

Parsons plays the game the way he's supposed to, is all-out hustle, and he doesn't need the ball in his hands to make an impact.

[Rahat Huq]

The guy just gets it. Definitely more physical than Bud. Parsons shoots a lot better than we all thought so this makes him the total package. It sounds like I'm going overboard in my assessment of the Florida grad, with such a small sampling size, but I know when I see a baller, and the kid is a baller.

Yeah, that's how I feel too. It's funny because I didn't even mention him in any of my Rockets preview pieces. This goes to show, never ignore Morey second round picks.

[Rahat Huq]

Parsons seems like a better version of budinger. Better defensively and off the ball.

Yeah. I think the biggest advantage over Budinger is the rebounding - just always active inside. Bud has hops but that doesn't always translate.

[durvasa]

Yeah, it's difficult. Can you keep both or are they too similar? Can you have two virtual clones on an NBA team or is that a waste of a roster spot?

I think if the team was going to trade one, it'd be Bud, simply because Parsons will be locked up on the cheap for longer.

I don't see much of a similarity. Budinger is purely a slasher, he's good as a finisher on the break, and he can hit some threes. Beyond that, he doesn't do anything that stands out. Parsons is a high-energy player on both ends, has more all-around skills, and I think he can give you quality minutes at the 3 and 4.

[Rahat Huq]

He's looking like a keeper, and honestly I think in terms of all-around skills he surpasses Terrence Williams. Williams's best skill is dunking. He has good passing instincts, but it doesn't translate into actually making his teammates better.

Parsons plays the game the way he's supposed to, is all-out hustle, and he doesn't need the ball in his hands to make an impact.

I think I disagree here though because Williams has the more rare skillset in the ability to create off the dribble/for others. You absolutely have to have players like that. Guys like Parsons and Budinger are great rotation pieces, but you can't win big without "gamebreakers."

In my humble opinion.

[Rahat Huq]

I don't see much of a similarity. Budinger is purely a slasher, he's good as a finisher on the break, and he can hit some threes. Beyond that, he doesn't do anything that stands out. Parsons is a high-energy player on both ends, has more all-around skills, and I think he can give you quality minutes at the 3 and 4.

I think Bud's best skill is the middle distance jumpshot in the lane, curling off the screen. Perfect for Adelman's offense. I'm not sure I've seen Parsons do that yet.

[durvasa]

You guys are rally getting carried away here. It was one game against a lousy team and he's averaging like 5ppg on the year. Come back to me in a month.

I like Parsons because he makes a positive impact even when he's not having great scoring games (e.g. the game against OKC). This is a guy that made his way into the starting lineup with basically no contact with the coaches in the summer and very little practice time. That points to someone with an exceptionally high basketball IQ. Some players go years without understanding how to play in the NBA (Terrence Williams is an example of a guy with some *very* raw talent who still hasn't figured that out). Parsons just got it immediately.

[durvasa]

I think Bud's best skill is the middle distance jumpshot in the lane, curling off the screen. Perfect for Adelman's offense. I'm not sure I've seen Parsons do that yet.

True, that's the other thing Bud can do. Not sure if shooting off screens is Parson's game. He can shoot the corner three and get you garbage buckets (a la Battier), plus he has the ability to score off his own dribble. I'm eager to see what else he can do.