Phoenix Suns Free Agent Profiles: Houston's Chandler Parsons

Chandler Parsons SF, 6'9", 227 lbs, 25 yrs old (Restricted Free Agent)

2013-2014 Regular Season Statistics: 74 GP, 37.6 MPG, 47.2 FG%, 37% 3FG%, 74.2 FT%, 16.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.9 TO, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 4.4 +/-

Strengths

Chandler Parsons can flat out stroke the basketball. His main calling card anywhere he ends up will be his ability to shoot the three at a consistent rate. Also, Parsons is 6'9 and can handle the basketball, so when defenders close out too hard he can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. Being able to dribble well, also allows him to start the fast break after pulling down a rebound. Parsons' 6'9 frame and 32" vertical help him pull down rebounds at a consistent rate from the wing position which, in turn leads to the occasional tip-slam. He is also a capable passer who can find the open teammate when needed. Defensively, Parsons is a good on-ball defender. In the 2013-14 season Chandler Parsons had 2.5 defensive win shares, P.J. Tucker had 2.8, to put it in perspective.

Weaknesses

Chandler Parsons' biggest shortcoming is turnovers. He turned the ball over 1.9 times per game, way too many times for someone who plays on the wing. He also takes too many questionable shots, which Suns fans are accustomed to watching by now (every time Gerald Green steps on the floor). Even though Chandler Parson is a good on-ball defender, he struggles off the ball. Apparently he hangs out with James Harden a lot because like Harden, he loses sight of his man way too often. He also struggles guarding in the post, he simple isn't strong enough to guard power forwards. This is partially Houston's problem for playing him at the four position on occasion.

Intangibles

Chandler Parsons is a vocal leader and a good locker room influence. Parsons said, "I'm a voice in the locker room. I'll do anything I can do to make guys feel comfortable and be themselves," in an interview with CSNHouston.com. Chandler Parsons is also a stand up guy. In December last year he shaved his head to support Patrick Hobbs-DeClaire, a 10-year-old who is fighting cancer.

"His dad was telling me how he isn't even scared of death," Parsons said according to the Houston Chronicle. "He is more worried about not looking like his twin brother anymore, so me being his favorite player, I decided to shave my head to look more like him and hopefully give him some support and encouragement from me."

Fit in Phoenix

Parsons will be able to come into the Suns system right away and be a third or fourth option offensively,  depending on who is on the roster next year. He will help space the floor by adding another shooter, allowing Bledsoe and Dragić to drive and kick. He will also help the Suns in the assist category where they struggled last season, 29th in the league in assists per game. Parsons is a good locker room guy and shouldn't hinder the Suns great chemistry. Parsons adds a consistent scoring threat from the wing position that the Suns needed last year. Lastly, Parsons has great looking hair that competes with Miles Plumlee for the best hair in the league.