Restricted free-agent forward Chandler Parsons had reason to believe he would be a Houston Rocket for many years. When teams repeatedly bypassed Parsons during the 2011 NBA Draft, the Rockets eventually took a flier on him in the second round.
It didn't end there, once Parsons was in a Rockets uniform the team gave him the opportunity to blossom: In three seasons, Parsons went from averaging 9.5 points to 16.6 -- establishing himself as Houston's third scoring option behind shooting guard James Harden and center Dwight Howard, both All-Stars.
As his confidence grew, the 6-foot-9 versatile small forward became an integral part of the Rockets' offense. Parsons appeared to be a key figure in Houston's NBA title plans.
But those plans were scrapped recently when the Rockets opted not to match a three-year, $46 million offer sheet Parsons received from the Dallas Mavericks. And Parsons has expressed disappointment in the manner Houston went about reaching its decision.
"Honestly, I was offended by the whole process," Parsons told Yahoo! Sports. "They publicly said that they were going out looking for a third star when I thought they had one right in front of them. I guess that's just how they viewed me as a player. I don't think I've scratched the surface of where I can be as a player and I think I'm ready for that role.
"You can't knock them for always trying to get better. [Houston general manager] Daryl Morey is very aggressive, is a genius, a great GM and I have nothing but respect for those guys. And they are looking to make their team better. That's what they were doing. I just thought I could be that guy that I could do that."
The Rockets thought otherwise. During this year's free-agent period Houston concentrated on attracting high-profile stars LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh. When the dust settled, none of those players signed with the Rockets - James returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers, after a four-year run in Miami, Anthony re-upped with the New York Knicks and Bosh decided to remain with the Heat for more money.
While the Rockets pursued these players, they paid little attention to Parsons. Dallas, however, took a more aggressive approach. And Parsons was swayed.
The addition of Chandler #Parsons likely marks the end of Shawn #Marion's time with the #Mavs, writes @espn_macmahon. https://t.co/KQZuXVLwsB
— ESPNDallas (@ESPNDallas) July 14, 2014
Parsons enjoyed playing in Houston, and, initially, was determined to remain there. But once Dallas intensified its pursuit, Parsons got hooked and there was no turning back. "They really showed how much they cared for me," Parsons said. "They didn't want me to wait for Bosh. They didn't want me to wait for 'Melo. They came forward first.
"Dallas is the perfect match to where I am in my career," Parsons said. "It's where I can take that next step. They have a great organization. "Mark [Cuban] is the best owner in all of sports. I get a chance to play with Dirk [Nowitzki] for however much longer he has. It will be unbelievable to learn and grown from him and the guys they have."
Parsons has turned the page: He's no longer a Houston Rocket. And while disappointed with how their relationship ended, he has fond memories of his time with the organization.
"They gave me my first opportunity," Parsons said. "They believed in me. They drafted me. I have nothing but love and respect for them.
"They will have a special place in my heart. The fans were unbelievable and I hope they have no hard feelings. I had to do what is best for my career."
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