Other than the passive opening night – punctuated by a missed 3-pointer that could’ve beat the Spurs at the buzzer – Chandler Parsons has been as good as advertised for the Mavericks.
Problem is that his replacement in Houston has been even better.
Was watching an NBA game late one night this week when TNT analyst Reggie Miller said the Rockets were getting an “upgrade” with Ariza over Parsons. Said Ariza was a better 3-point shooter and a better wing defender than the guy the Mavs rewarded with a $46 million contract.
It’ll be a fascinating comparison all season.
The Rockets are the surprise of the early season, whipping the Heat in Miami last night to improve to 5-0. And Ariza, signed as a free agent after playing for the Wizards last season, has been spectacular. He’s averaging 18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and leads the league with 21 3-pointers.
Parsons, meanwhile, has recovered from his dubious debut and averaged 23 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in leading the Mavs to four consecutive victories. He scored a season-high 29 in Monday’s victory over the Celtics.
So far it’s advantage Ariza, Rockets and Miller.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
