Chandler Parsons' minor injury casts major concerns for the Grizzlies' big gamble
Memphis' forward is out at least two weeks with a bone bruise
By
Matt Moore
•
2 min read
The Memphis Grizzlies' roster was built on one big gamble for this season: health. Marc Gasol is coming off a broken foot. Mike Conley is coming off "Achilles soreness" which cost him last season. And they signed Chandler Parsons, who has had two surgeries on his right knee within the past 18 months. Their entire construct for success was built upon the idea that "if healthy, they can make some real noise."
So much for that. For starters, Conley is still dealing with his nagging Achilles. He's returned from it and played well, but the fact it is an ongoing issue is concerning. Then there's Chandler Parsons, who finally made his season debut last week, and is now out, again. The Grizzlies announced Monday that Parsons is out at least two weeks:
Chandler Parsons - Parsons was diagnosed with a left knee bone bruise following the game against the Dallas Mavericks, Nov. 18. Note that this is not the same knee that was previously surgically repaired. He is currently listed as out for tomorrow's contest vs. Charlotte. He will be re-evaluated in 2 weeks and an update will be provided at that time.
Source: Grizzlies injury updates - 11/20/16 | Memphis Grizzlies.
Note that he'll be re-evaluated in two weeks, not cleared in two weeks. This is on top of Tony Allen's ongoing groin injury and Brandon Wright having had ankle surgery. That's three core veteran contributors who are out (though Allen could return this week). It means more minutes for Andrew Harrison and the elder statesman Vince Carter. It means that the Grizzlies will continue to struggle with shooting, as they are currently 27th in effective field-goal percentage. It means the team will continue to have to lean on Gasol and Conley more, instead of being able to find more rest opportunities for them.
Basically, it's bad.
Now, this is far from the worst-case scenario. Parsons isn't out for the season, there are no major injuries on the table outside of Wright's so far. But Memphis has just started to find its groove, having gotten good wins in the last two weeks and moving into the fourth spot in the Western Conference. For the Grizzlies to get where they want to go, they have to have their squad at last mostly full-strength. They're already not there. And if they have anyone else go down from the starting unit, it's going to get rough in a hurry. This was always the risk with Memphis. The gamble hasn't failed, but it's not working out, either, and that's reason enough for concern.
