After a slow start to the season, Chandler Parsons has become a key part of a Dallas team fighting to make the playoffs in the West. In his last 15 games, he is averaging 18.1 points per game, he is shooting 44 percent from three, and his all-around versatility on both ends is at the heart of what Dallas wants to do.
Which is why this is such a blow:
He is likely to have knee surgery again and be done for the season, reports Tim MacMahon of ESPN.Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons is likely to undergo season-ending surgery this week to address a torn meniscus in his right knee, sources told ESPN.com.
Parsons, who sources say will receive a second opinion before scheduling an operation, is expected to be fully recovered in time to resume his regular offseason basketball-workout routine.
Parsons had to have major reconstruction of that same right knee more than a year ago (a hybrid microfracture surgery), at least this isn’t as serious. But it’s not good news for a Dallas team tied with Houston for the final two playoff slots in the West, and with a hot Utah team just one game back.
Parsons has a player option for next season at $16 million, and because of his strong play he was expected to opt out and see if he could land a max — or, at least, larger —deal in a cash-rich free agent market this summer. This injury will give teams pause, and it may have Parsons considering opting in and hitting the 2017 market. But the smart money is still on him testing the market this year.