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NBA Player Rankings: Top 10 small forwards for 2016-17

By Tom West

Mar 7, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs guard Kawhi Leonard (2) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats San Antonio 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs guard Kawhi Leonard (2) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats San Antonio 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 6, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons (25) gestures prior to the game against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons (25) gestures prior to the game against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

10th place – Chandler Parsons

Knee injuries have bothered Chandler Parsons for years and they were an issue once again last season. He came back from them at the start, and was ruled out by them at the end in March.

Once he found his stride as the season progressed, though, Parsons was producing a lot for the Dallas Mavericks’ offense and maintaining impressive efficiency.

Over 35 games from the start of January to his injury in late March, Parsons averaged 17.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists. Even better than that was his accuracy, shooting a terrific 51.3 percent from the floor overall and 45.1 percent from three with 2.3 makes a night.

If Parsons can stay relatively healthy and stick around for enough of the season (that’s always a big “if”), Parsons could find greater success with the Memphis Grizzlies, his new destination after signing a four-year, $94 million deal this summer.

The Grizzlies ranked 29th in the NBA in three-point percentage last season (33.1) and 28th in makes per game (6.1). That simply isn’t a recipe for much offensive success in the league today, so it’s no surprise that they put such emphasis on signing Parsons.

Along with bringing back Mike Conley, Parsons’ catch-and-shoot threat, efficiency when creating penetration (career-high 71.3 percent within two feet) and range will go a long way to improving the Grizzlies’ offense. Not to mention the fact that his adept passing and ability to run the pick-and-roll from the three takes some playmaking pressure off Conley’s shoulders as well.

Due to a strong stretch through last season, his obvious skill, and the importance of his particular strengths to the Grizzlies, it’s relatively easy to start off this list with Parsons as he heads towards an encouraging year in Memphis.

Now, it’s time for him to prove he’s worth the money.

Next: 9th place - One of the NBA's most well-rounded wings

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