NBA Player Rankings: Top-10 Small Forwards In The NBA

Apr 18, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward

(25) drives the ball during the third quarter as Houston Rockets guard

(13) defends in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

8. Chandler Parsons, Dallas Mavericks

Numbers to know:
10 – number of 3-pointers made in the second half on January 24, 2014
0 – number of players in NBA history that have accomplished that feat (Klay Thompson‘s 37-point-quarter game had 9 threes in that half)

Not to continue throwing shade on Gay, but wouldn’t you rather have Parsons as your 3?

He’s played half as long but also started in twice as many playoff games. Parsons is a better shooter (TS% 56.3 vs. 53), brings more value to his team (career WS/48 0.118 vs. 0.085), and is primed for a breakout season. With the departure of Monta Ellis (and DeAndre Jordan) and a 17th season for the aging Dirk Nowitzki, Parsons will be asked to shoulder a larger load for the NBA’s 5th-ranked offensive team — which re-tooled just fine with Deron Williams, Wesley Matthews, and Zaza Pachulia.

When Parsons left Houston, James Harden referred to Chandler as one of the “role players….that complete our team.” Parsons response, “That’s part of the reason I wanted to go to Dallas, because I’m ready for that next step. I’m ready for a bigger role, and I’m ready for more leadership.”

Well, Mr. Parsons, here’s your chance to back up those words and prove you’ve got more than just a good pump fake.

Next: DeMarre Carrol