Gator aid: Thunder, ex-Florida coach rooted for Parsons during lengthy recovery
As Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons was diligently trying to work himself back into game shape earlier this season following a knee operation, one person rooting for him was Thunder coach Billy Donovan.
Parsons played for Donovan at Floridafrom 2007-11 and was named the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year his last season.
So after Parsons had a minor hybrid procedure on his right knee on May 1, Donovan was in his corner hoping for a speedy recovery.
“The thing I feel bad for him is I really felt like he was on a real good trajectory,” Donovan said. “He was getting better and better every year and I think the knee injury set him back, and obviously it was a pretty major surgery, and I think even this year trying to start off with a minutes restriction.
“Maybe not being able to play all the time, trying to get into a rhythm, and I feel bad for him because Chandler is a really good player. He’s a high IQ player.”
Parsons averaged 22.3 points in the previous four games against Oklahoma City but had only six Wednesday.
The thing I feel bad for him is I really felt like he was on a real good trajectory. He was getting better and better every year and I think the knee injury set him back.
Thunder coach Billy Donovan on Chandler Parsons
“He’s got obviously really good athleticism and length,” Donovan said. “I think his shooting’s gotten better, but I think anytime you go through an injury like he’s gone through, battling back and getting to the level he was at and I think he’s getting closer and closer if not right there.”
Hilton apologizes
The Hilton Hotels apologized to Cleveland guard Kyrie Irving after the Cavaliers guard said there were bed bugs in his room when the team stayed at the Skirvin Hilton in Oklahoma City on the weekend of Feb. 13-14.
While Irving had issues with bed bugs, rumors have been swirling for years about a ghost being at the same hotel.
“I brought my bed bug detector and I brought my ghost detector,” said Mavs owner Mark Cuban, whose team often stays at the Skirvin. “I put directions on which elevator to go to on which floor.”
I brought my bed bug detector and I brought my ghost detector.
Mavs owner Mark Cuban on previous trips to the Skirvin Hilton in Oklahoma City
Cuban added that a couple Mavericks players once refused to stay there and moved elsewhere.
Referring to the movie Ghostbusters, Cuban said: “They just kept on saying, who you going to trust?”
Jenkins to Suns
Former Mavs guard John Jenkins signed a contract Wednesday with the Phoenix Suns shortly after clearing waivers. The Mavs waived Jenkins on Monday to sign David Lee.
“We’re really happy for [Jenkins],” Cuban said. “He’s just a great guy — first class in every way.”
Raffle for fans
Fans attending Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars games this weekend will be able to participate in a charitable in-game raffle.
The foundations for the pro teams will launch the 50/50 Raffle with the Stars going first on Saturday in their game against the New York Rangers and the Mavericks on Sunday when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The tickets will be three for $5, seven for $10, 20 for $20 and 50 for $40. Prices are subject to change and will be sold throughout American Airlines Center.
One drawing will be held during the fourth quarter of Mavericks games and at the beginning of the third period during Stars games to determine the jackpot winner for that game. For each raffle, half the jackpot will go to the selected winner and the other half to the respective team’s foundation to support women’s and children’s causes across North Texas.
Dwain Price: 817-390-7760, @dwainprice
This story was originally published February 24, 2016 at 10:33 PM with the headline "Gator aid: Thunder, ex-Florida coach rooted for Parsons during lengthy recovery."