Fizdale explains Parsons situation

Chandler Parsons’ day of rest Wednesday night against the Dallas Mavericks was planned because of the back-toback situation.

His playing time is measured.

How Griz coach David Fizdale plans to use Parsons this season is strategic, too.

Unlike last season, Parsons won’t perform with a minutes requirement or in a predetermined role. Parsons, in the second season of a four-year, $94 million contract, hasn’t been given any guarantees after returning from his third knee surgery in three years.

“I’m going with the flow of it,” Fizdale said. “I don’t want to put too much on him too early. At the end of the day, I’m going to play the guys who are going to help us win. Chandler understands that. It gives me credibility in the locker room. He’s all in for that. He’s been great throughout the process. It’s been frustrating, obviously. But he’s been real cool about it and he’s been helping us.”

Parsons is the backup power forward off the bench until further notice.

He was booed in FedExForum on opening night for passing up shots and missing free throws. Since then, he’s been more assertive, looking to catch and shoot 3-pointers, and play pesky defense.

Parsons is shooting 46 percent overall (57 percent from threepoint range) in 15 minutes per game.

Fizdale sounds encouraged by Parsons’ physical movement and productivity.

“We’re starting to see the ball go in. He’s not