Former NBA forward Chandler Parsons opened up about the difficult period he experienced after signing a four-year, $94 million contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2016.
Despite securing the largest contract of his career, Parsons said his time in Memphis became one of the unhappiest periods of his life.
“It was tough. I remember when I signed my big deal in Memphis, that was the most money I had ever made in my life, and it was by far the most miserable I ever was.”
Parsons arrived in Memphis with high expectations, but injuries limited his availability and prevented him from making the impact the organization had anticipated.
As his playing time decreased, the former NBA forward struggled with loneliness and frustration.
He admitted that he began drinking and going out more frequently while dealing with his situation.
“Obviously now looking back on it, like now that contract and everything, that set up my life how it is now. But those three years I was miserable. I was lonely. I was drinking. I was going out ’cause then I wasn’t playing.”
Parsons also faced criticism from fans who were disappointed with his performances and limited appearances.
He explained that the negative attention made an already difficult situation worse.
“And it comes to a certain point where, like, ‘F*ck this is never going to get better.’ Then you feel so alone. Then you go outside your apartment and everyone hates you and thinks you’re soft.”
During his three seasons with the Grizzlies, Parsons appeared in just 95 regular-season games, averaging 7.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.
