Chandler Parsons wants to be on the court.
The 30-year-old forward has struggled with injuries throughout his career and he hasn’t played since Oct. 22 because of a knee issue. Parsons, however, said he’s currently fully healthy and ready to return.
But, the Grizzlies continue to hold him out.
“I’m medically cleared by the people I work with every single day, that are experts at this kind of stuff,” Parsons told the Memphis Commercial Appeal on Sunday. “So, it’s frustrating to watch a team struggle and I’m sitting there on the bench healthy, dying to play.”
Parsons, an eight-year veteran, averaged 5.7 points and 1.3 rebounds in 15.3 minutes per game over three appearances before he was shut down with the knee injury. He said the team has “no set plan of when” he is going to play again.
“No communication. No nothing,” Parsons said. “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.”
Parsons has two seasons remaining on the four-year, $94 million contract he signed with Memphis in July 2016. He said he’s trying to help the “team win in any way” he can.
“I’m not a distraction. I get along with everybody on the team,” Parsons said. “I love the coaching staff. I love the medical staff. So it’s just confusing as to why I can’t play and help our team, who is clearly struggling and could use me right now.
“But yeah, I hope to salvage it. I hope to play as soon as possible and help our team win as many games as possible.”
The Grizzlies, who have lost six of their last eight games, will face the Rockets in Houston on Monday. They’ll enter that matchup with an 18-17 record.
