Chandler Parsons insists he’s healthy enough to return to the lineup and blames Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace for his continued absence, relays Mark Giannotto of The Memphis Commercial Appeal.
Parsons, who missed his 32nd straight game tonight, discussed the situation after this afternoon’s shootaround. He insists his troublesome knee is no longer bothering him and he’s ready to start playing again.
“The most confusing part for me is I’m healthy,” Parsons said. “I’m medically cleared by the people I work with every single day, that are experts at this kind of stuff, so it’s frustrating to watch a team struggle and I’m sitting there on the bench healthy, dying to play.”
Parsons explains that he and the medical staff had been pointing toward a December 21 game in Sacramento for his return, ever since the knee started hurting again in late October. However, Wallace canceled that plan, saying he wants to see him play five-on-five in practice before returning, which Parsons claims he has done for two weeks with no soreness in the knee.
Parsons adds that Wallace hoped to send him to the G League “for a really long time, but didn’t tell me how long. Which also wasn’t going to happen.” Under the collective bargaining agreement, veteran players have the power to refuse G League assignments.
“No communication. No nothing,” Parsons said of the situation. “I don’t think it’s from a basketball standpoint. It’s definitely not from a health standpoint. I’ve been cleared by the medical staff of our organization, and clearly it’s not about fitting. I already earned a starting spot out of training camp and have shown I can fit with the team. I think the confusion for me is there’s no communication about what’s going on and when I’m going to play.”
This could get Wallace and the owners in a LOT of trouble for insurance fraud. Sure, you could come up with many excuses for why he isn’t playing. But the main fact is that if he is healthy and they are collecting insurance for his salary, they are breaking the law. Of course this is all conjecture on my part, but just something to think about.
Man they could just wanna make sure the guy can recover after some heavy practices. The guy has been so brittle lately. It’s only a week after his expected return, let’s give it a bit more time
If he’s been medically cleared then they can’t keep him idle like that. I hope he files a grievance.
Filing a grievance because you’re not getting minutes is funny
But it’s not funny when he’s been medically cleared and has done what the GM wants to see (5 on 5 practice) for almost 2 weeks now. Seems fishy.
It’s your position that they have to play him because he’s not hurt?
That’s not the issue. The issue would come up if he’s been cleared but they’re still claiming he’s hurt to collect insurance.
He says he wants to play but he’s too proud to go to the G League. If you think you can contribute on an NBA floor then prove it in the G league and dominate. Otherwise keep quiet. A lot of guys go to the G league for a few games. He thinks it’ll be forever but whatever, do it. There’s a guy in the Red Sox making 12 million bucks a year playing Triple-A ball for the last three years. Just play ball you’re getting paid. You’re an employee do what they say.
As someone who lives in Memphis and follows the Grizz, I’m perfectly okay with them integrating him slowly into the team. They’re doing “okay” right now and he has come back for a game or two when he was cleared only to disappear for months numerous times already
You are correct, but that wasn’t my point. Memphis can have him sit on the bench for the remainder of the contract if they choose to. However, if they are accepting insurance money to cover his salary because of his injuries even though he is healthy, then they are committing insurance fraud.
Just like Joakim Noah, Eric Bledsoe, plus all the guys that take days of rest. Difference is they aren’t a cancer to the team (Noah?).
Memphis is paying Parsons now. He is off injured reserve. They are just saying he’s a non rotational player like Carmelo.
If he’s on the bench in uniform then he’s on the active roster, correct? How can they collect insurance on a guy who’s healthy and eligible to play? Is he on the IR?
Trade him to Philly
Plus an unprotected 1st
They must be trying to get him to ask for a buyout.
The GM also said Chandler is afraid of bra’s. Can’t work them.
They tried to trade him during the draft and offered the 4th pick Jaren Jackson) along with Chandler. Nobody wanted him.
The Pacers wanted Jackson because he’s a stretch 4 from Indianapolis. The said Memphis wanted too much, and eating Chandler’s contract wouldn’t have saved money to sign free agents. Portland initially was going to sign Chandler, but Mike Conley talked him into going to Memphis. Memphis goofed bad.
Memphis GM is an absolute clown he created all the fiasco in the Ariza trade, lying all over it.
Now he keeps on lying even more about this while dissing a pro athlete like Parsons, which I am not a fan off, but is done nothing wrong, injuries are not his fault.
This GM needs to be fired, anyway Memphis ain’t gonna the playoffs this year so why don’t play the guy, surely is better than most of their players.
Parsons is a shizxx kuamnnmmtt overqchoeving bishhhhhb
You okay buddy?
He literally only puts in effort during contract years, where lo and behold that is when he is not nursing a boo boo. Eff this guy.
Why are you still allowed to post?