Chandler Parsons has been one of the Mavericks‘ most vocal free agent recruiters during his time in Dallas, but the forward, who is expected to opt out of his deal this offseason, noted that he has to resolve his situation prior to pitching the franchise to other players, Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News writes. “Obviously it’s tough to recruit if I don’t know where I’m going,” Parsons said. “In the back of my head, Dallas is home to me and I love it here. I came here to be a great player and to win a lot of games. I’ve yet to do that here, so I feel like I have a lot of unfinished business that I’d love to continue and grow into the player that I saw myself being when I signed here. So the quicker we can get that done allows me to start recruiting and doing that whole thing.”
Here’s more from out West:
- The Grizzlies have named Matt Woodley as the head coach of their D-League affiliate in Iowa, the team announced. “We are pleased to announce Matt as head coach of the Iowa Energy,” Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace said. “As evidenced last season, our affiliation with the Iowa Energy provides us a critical resource in the development of our players and institution of our organization’s philosophies. Matt’s coaching acumen and background within the Energy franchise make him a terrific fit.”
- Over the past five seasons, the Thunder‘s winning percentage is second only to the Spurs, something Oklahoma City credits roster continuity for, Royce Young of ESPN.com writes. “That familiarity with your teammates is definitely something that’s under-rated in this league,” Kevin Durant said. “I think that’s one thing the Spurs are really great at, is knowing who they want on their team and knowing it’s going to take time to build a really good team. So guys like, obviously, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard, who they’ve groomed into a fantastic player, and along with getting LaMarcus Aldridge, they have guys that if you bring a new guy in, they can make them feel comfortable.“
- Point guard D.J. Augustin is thrilled at the trade that got him out of Oklahoma City and landed him on the Nuggets, Christopher Dempsey of The Denver Post relays. “I was in a tough situation in Oklahoma,” Augustin said. “It wasn’t working out. I did the right thing, my agent did the right thing, and talked to those guys and they were kind enough to trade me, trade me to a good situation. Everything worked out.” Augustin, who is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, said he hopes to re-sign with Denver, Dempsey adds.