Chandler Parsons is vying to become the 32nd player drafted in Florida history,
Parsons could even become Florida’s 11th ever first round draft pick.
But Parsons won’t be the first in his family to get selected in the NBA draft. That distinction belongs to his grandfather, Don Parsons. A former Rutgers standout, Don Parsons was picked by the New York Knicks in the sixth round of the 1950 NBA draft. Parsons’ grandfather never played in the NBA, turning down a $3,800 contract offer to make more money at a financial company in Teterboro, N.J.
A few months ago, I wrote about the Parsons’ family basketball lineage and his ailing grandfather. Following up, there is some good news to pass along. Don Parsons underwent successful hip replacement surgery. Next week, he plans to move out of a rehabilitation center and into an assisted living facility.
“His spirits are up,” said Gary Parsons, Chandler’s father and Don’s son. “His rehabilitation is moving along. There were some complications and they needed to go back in for a second surgery to get his hip re-set. Physically, he has the ability to move and get from sitting and standing.”
Parsons plans to watch Thursday night’s draft at home with family and friends. Don Parsons still isn’t well enough to make it. But Chandler said one of the first phone calls he plans to make is to his grandfather.
“He’s a big inspiration,” Parsons said.
