IamA Chandler Parsons SF Houston Rockets AMA!

Will general managers ever get endorsement deals involving girls who look like this? http://gamedayr.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/chandler-parsons-ashley-sky-buffalo-jeans-570x570.jpeg

Ill scratch your back if you scratch mine...

Hello, Chandler Parsons! These were the top 5 highest rated questions from r/NBA.

• What was it like starting your pro career in France due to the lockout? Was is stressful coming into the league with such uncertainty?
  
• How do you average 17ppg after drowning in all that pussy the night before?
  
• I'd like to know how the Asik trade scenario is impacting locker room chemistry, if at all. Also, Why does Mchale hate Jeremy Lin with all his heart?
  
• Who is your funniest teammate? Please share a story or two.
  
• Forget the paycheck for a second, do you prefer the college or pro game more? Atmosphere, teammates, schedule, etc.?
  

Thanks for taking the time to answer everyone's questions.

very stressful without having a guaranteed contract. There was pressure to playing in a foreign place without out having a deal done and knowing the Rockets and every other team were watching me. Ate Subway and McDonalds every day

haha, im playing too many minutes for that

Waiting on Omer to get healthy, he can really help us out. I am not the GM so dont know about any trades. He doesnt hate him, Jeremy is a huge part of our team.

Dwight by far. Every day is something different

I would still say pro. Travel, lifestyle, everything is first class. College you have to worry about class, study hall, and all the rules. NBA is all about basketball

Who is your favorite basketball player of all time and why is it Jeremy Lin?

no its Yi

Hi Chandler I am a big Rockets fan and love the way you have stepped up for us! But I do have a beef with you. My gf says you are the only man she would leave me for. I must ask how do you look so dashing everyday?

Good genes I guess, tell her I said hello ;)

What's the first thing you're gunna buy when you sign your (well deserved) fat new contract this summer?

taking care of my parents.

What would it take for Harden to shave his beard?

Nothing, we have tried and bet him on tons of things. He will never do it. Plus... Have you seen him without it?

How much crap did your teammates give you about the modeling commercial?

a lot in the beginning bc you dont see many NBA guys doing that, but in the end they all really liked it and it turned out well. A lot of compliments once they saw it.

Hey Chandler, UF Alum here. Go Gators! Can Billy still ball? If you played him 1 on 1, what would be the score?

11-0. He has no chance.

You've watched the team go from Kevin Martin to Lin-Harden-Howard. How has that affected the chemistry of the team, and the tone of your organization? Is it weird to see such a 180?

Its tough to see friends come and go but its promising to see the organization be so proactive in trying to win. Love the direction we are going and happy to be a part of it.

what was the hardest part about picking up playing basketball in the nba?

seriously though, apart from winning a ring, whats one thing you would like to accomplish before retiring?

The physicality of it. Everyone in the league are the fastest, strongest, most talented players in the world. There are no off nights.

Want to win a ring more than anything, but definitely want to be a multi-time All Star.

Yo dude I was in the O'Dome the night you hit the game winner against South Carolina! It was one of the best moments of my life! You were my favorite player at UF and you're my favorite player in the NBA and it's awesome seeing you ball with the Rockets. Keep hooping bro!

Thats not a question but Go Gators!

Hi, Big fan! Do you often hang out with Jeremy when free? What kinda stuff you guys do for fun after practice? thx

hang out a lot. live in same building. Good friend of mine.

[deleted]

I feel like its perfect for me bc I am a very efficient player. I did not have to change much bc I have always played that way. I think its a great way to maximize your players. Its a fun and exciting system to play in.

youre welcome. Thanks for drafting me.

Who's the hardest player to defend? Hardest team to play against?

OKC and Durant, he is a great player.

Chandler, is this the healthiest you've felt since your back spasms? You looked like you were pain-free last night.

close to 100%. Still doing lots of rehab every day to maintain it.

At what age did you realize you had a legitimate chance to make the NBA?

I was a late bloomer, always overlooked. However I always believed in myself.

Are you going to continue to pursue a career in modeling?

should I?

Chandler, I traded you away in my fantasy league. I've regretted it since. Will you ever forgive me?

probably get fired as a GM.

Hi Chandler! I'm a big Rockets fan since the days of Hakeem. A few questions:

1. What former teammate do you miss most playing with?
2. What's your favorite thing about the new Rockets locker room?
3. What was your favorite movie of 2013?

Scola, true professional

Best locker room in the NBA, they did a great job. tons of technology incorporated and we all love it.

Lone Survivor, I know its 2014 but best movie Ive seen in a long time

Is there anything living inside Harden's beard?

who knows? that thing is wild.

Has it been surprising to see Terrence Jones evolve from a D Leaguer to an impressive starting PF so quickly?

not surprising. Saw it everyday in practice. I give him a lot of credit for being patient and now its paying off with him helping us win.

Greetings Mr. Bang,

Long time Rockets fan. Thanks for being really good again, it's a more enjoyable watching experience than the rebuilding years.

1) Where do y'all buy your clothes? (being giants and all) Do you just have to get everything tailored or find a Foot Locker Big and Tall?

2) When showering, in order to get your head under the water, do you squat, kneel down, or bend over backwards?

3) Are there any particular older players that you have somewhat tried to model your game after? Anyone who you looked up to and wanted to play like?

4) How much time do you spend with other Rockets in your down time? Do y'all hang out a lot, or do you see enough of them as it is during the season?

5) How old were you when you could first dunk?

6) If a massive free-for-all brawl broke out in the locker room, which Rocket would go down immediatley or refuse to particpate?

7) A lot of guys have been stepping up at forward this season, were you ever surprised at how well they performed (anything specific)?

That is all. Finish off this homestand strong.

Yours forever,

DriftingSquash

Pretty much everything is customed. Shop a lot at Saks, Nordstroms, etc (s/o Buffalo for always looking out).

difficult sometimes

Grant Hill, Scottie Pippen, and of course Kevin McHale.

We are a very close team. Always hanging out, grabbing dinner, going out.

15

idk, im a lover not a fighter, may be me. Junkyard dog Pat Bev is last man standing.

HUGE fan here, and great performance last night my man!

You have to guard some of the best players in the league in Lebron, KD, Melo and others, what is going through your head in those situations? How to you prep the pregame for these match ups?

City of Houston absolutely loves you, don't ever leave us. Pls. Thanks for the AMA Chandler!

Love the challenge of guarding a superstar. Trying to make it as difficult as possible for them and give up no easy baskets.

Everyone is asking questions related to basketball but I'ma ask a different type of question.

Do you play any video games and if so do you own a new system?

What kind of music do you listen to and who is your favorite artist of that genre?

never have before, but James bought the whole team Xbox Ones for xmas so trying to get into it. my tag is CP25, come see me.

Who do you feel is the Rockets' biggest rival right now? There's the obvious in state rivals with San Antonio and Dallas but I feel like Golden State has to be up there.

probably Golden State. They're very talkative, but they have a similar system and its fun to get up and down. They are very talented.

Has Jeremy ever crashed on your couch?

And how do you feel about the nickname Chandler Bang?

haha yeah when he first got here. I dont mind Chandler Bang ;)

What kind of music do you listen to? Who are some of your favorite musicians/artists/bands?

listen to all types of stuff. Love hip hop, country, r&b.

What is your favorite arena to play in, besides the Toyota Center?

MSG or Staples. Awesome energy in those buildings.

As a player, how often do you watch other NBA games? What series did you enjoy more last season, Miami vs Indiana in the ECF or Miami vs Spurs in the Finals?

watch every single night. league pass on deck.

Is it weird knowing that a good portion of diehard NBA fans have a man crush on you?

Also, which of your excellent haircuts gives you the most aerodynamic dunking?

lol, there isnt a lot of competition.

Yo CP25! Who's your favorite fellow NBA player to watch??

steph curry. When he catches fire its great to watch. One of the best shooters ever.

So what are some of your favorite Houston restaurants? Maybe both classy and not so classy?

Uchi Sushi

Hi Chandler!! I'm really excited about this AMA. I went to UF 2010-2013 and would go to every basketball game and wait in line for an average of 5 hours just to get first row (Rowdy Reptile forever!!) You, Vernon, Alex and Erving are some of the most exciting players I've ever seen play the game. Also, my friends and I all had the biggest crush on you (wow, can't believe I just said that).

That being said, what have you felt is your biggest and hardest transition going from the Gators to the Rockets?

thank you for the support and I love the Rowdy Reptiles, miss you guys. schedule and guarding best players is toughest transition. There's no off nights in the NBA like playing Auburn on a Super Tuesday.

I'm sure both LeBron and Durant are hard to guard, but who is tougher between the two for yourself?

Lebron is a better player. KD is a better scorer.

Do you have any unique pregame rituals?

nap, same meal, music, warm up shots.

Chandler how did you come up with the handshake between you, Jeremy and the beard?

all came together two minutes before opening night.

PLEASE tell me what product you use on your hair?

Can't reveal that, but much easier having a shaved head.

When can we get new Rockets jersey's?

hopefully next season

Hi Chandler! I have two questions for you.

1.)What is it like playing with guys like James Harden, Dwight howard and Jeremy lin on a daily basis? 2.) What has it been like for you since you kind of exploded in fame over the last two seasons?

awesome playing with those guys. They make the game a lot easier for you. Don't pay attention to fame stuff. I try to be same person...but i dont wait in line anymore.

What aspect of your game do you pride yourself most in?

being a great teammate, lead by example, and definitely the deadliest pump fake in the league.

what was one of your favorite things about visiting the Philippines?

taking in the new culture and food. It was an awesome experience.

How often do you end up getting a new pair of shoes/jersey? Does it vary player to player?

I honestly dont know. would have to ask equipment manager.

Would you ever consider the dunk contest? And do you feel like big name players should participate?

yes, the bigger the name the more fun it would be to watch. Its definitely a show, so you have to be creative.

If you couldn't play for the rockets, what team would you want to play on the most?

never thought about it, grew up in Orlando, so that would be cool.

Two Gators related questions: 1) How far do you think the Gators can make it this year? 2) Where's the one place you MUST eat at whenever you visit Gainesville?

must eat at Leonardos 706 and I really think they can win it all. Very balanced and mature team.

Do you believe that staying for four years in college was a major factor in your great transition to the NBA?

Being a 4 year guy you are more game ready and mature than guys who come in too early. You understand work ethic, how to win, and have experienced playing in big games. You are only 22 years old.

Among all of the small forwards in the league where would you rank yourself? Also, you play a pretty complete game, but what would you say is the thing you need to or could improve most on?

I think I can play with anyone. work on my ballhandling so I can do a better job of creating my own shot.

Chandler,

What area of your game did you work on the most during the off-season?

training with rob mcclanaghan improved every facet of my game. Try to be an all around player and as versatile as possible. Want to be able to do everything on the floor.

The Rockets (Harden in particular) get a lot of criticism for a lack of defense. How can you guys improve on that end, given that many teams without a good defense can get bounced early on in the playoffs?

defense is really a mindset. Guys need to focus and understand we will always score a lot of points.

Hi Chandler, big Rockets fan here. I remember watching you your rookie season miss a game winning 3 or game tie-ing 3 (can't remember which one) against Dallas and thinking to myself "who is this guy and why is he starting over Chase Budinger?" Over the season I was pleasantly proved wrong and since then your career has only moved in an upward trajectory. So congratulations on that.

So my question: Your rookie season you were more known for your defense, particularly after performances against Kobe and KD. However, since then it seems like your defense hasn't been as good. Does that have to do with the increase in offensive production, i.e. playmaking and scoring, or would you disagree with my assessment?

Its tough guarding the best scorer every night, guys are gonna have good nights. I try and bring it every time on the court.

How do you physically manage playing so many minutes on a nightly basis?

Im in great shape. Healthy diet and rest.

Do you feel the NBA takes advantage of its players?

no, i have the best job in the world.

So Dwight obviously has improved in his post play and is really starting to be unstoppable in the low block. So I was wondering, how often does he actually practice, with or without Hakeem or McHale? And do you plan on developing a post game?

Secondly, McHale is notorious for not running plays, so is this actually true? Thanks for being awesome man, stay healthy and GO WIN US A CHAMPIONSHIP!

working on the post game. With my size I need to be able to take advantage of matchups. Can learn a lot from those HOF guys.