Rights traded to Minnesota Timberwolves 

Chandler Parsons has never been the most electrifying player at the NCAA level. However, whatever he’s ever been asked of, he’s responded and delivered.

Parsons is the consummate team player, as he fills up the box-score and does all the little things needed to help his team get a win.

When he first came to Florida, Parsons himself admitted he thought he was going to be the king of the campus and that he’d simply dominate college like he did high school. However, he was humbled, and eventually embraced his role on the team.

NBA Position: Small Forward

Height: 6’9”

Weight: 218 lbs.

School: Florida

Stats

Strengths

As stated above, Parsons is a great team player and leader, and is really a “jack of all trades” He can literally do anything asked of him, as he has a very solid jumper with improving range and consistency. He has the ability to take his man of the dribble, using a series of head fakes and stutter moves based out of the triple threat position, while also being able to do so from inside the paint.

Parsons is a borderline elite rebounder for his position, as he has tremendous size and length, and really goes after every ball. As unselfish as they come, Parsons will freely pass up opportunities to “get his”, yet still has that killer instinct to know when he needs to shoot it. On top of great shot selection and timing, he has also displayed excellent clutch ability in big games and in crunch time.

Very gifted offensively. As stated, not really an elite performer at any one thing, but does just about everything at a moderate level. His game is so well-rounded and he already understands his role, making the transition to the next level almost seamless.

Weaknesses

Doesn’t do any one thing great. A pretty good athlete, but not always as fluid as you’d like. Has the body and skills to bring his versatility to another level and offer some guard play, but the handle and defense isn’t there yet.

A pretty poor free throw shooter. Has the ability to be a quality defender at the next level, but to this point has proven that aspect of his game. Doesn’t get a ton of blocks or steals, and is rarely in foul trouble, three stats that show his defensive effort is lacking.

Overall, you’re getting exactly what you see with Parsons, and that in no way is a bad thing. The bad thing about some prospects is that you have to teach them to be a different player, to accept a role, but with Parsons, he’s already gone through that. He brings the talent, skills, and attitude needed to succeed at the next level, but is already well aware that he isn’t going to be “the guy”, and he’s completely okay with that. That type of character is hard to find in talented players, so it will likely impact his draft stock in a positive manner.

NBA Player Comparison: Hedo Turkoglu (less athletic and weaker handle)

Draft Projection: Late First – Early Second