Mark Cuban Comments on Chandler Parsons' Future with Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban commented Wednesday about the status of star forward Chandler Parsons' future with the team.   

ESPN.com's Tim MacMahon posted what Cuban had to say, which was a ringing endorsement for Parsons in the aftermath of his suffering a torn right meniscus:

"

Mark Cuban's full comment about Chandler Parsons' future with the franchise: pic.twitter.com/Zh68di1vRX

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) March 31, 2016"

Per MacMahon, Parsons underwent surgery on his injured knee this past Friday and will miss the remainder of the 2015-16 campaign and in all likelihood the playoffs—should Dallas make it that far.

Cuban is thinking that way and implied Wednesday that Parsons could well suit up if the team were to advance, per the Star-Telegram's Dwain Price:

But the Mavericks are fighting for their postseason lives, sitting ninth in the Western Conference entering Wednesday's games. Parsons underwent a "minor hybrid" microfracture procedure in May for an injury that cut his previous season short.

According to MacMahon's report on Parsons' latest operation, his current injury is "not nearly as severe," which bodes well for his long-term outlook.

It would've been understandable for Cuban to express some impatience or frustration with Parsons after his two seasons in Dallas have been shortened because of injury. However, the owner's remarks suggest the 27-year-old is part of the Mavs' long-term plans.

Parsons performed exceptionally well in 62 games this season, averaging 13.7 points on 49.2 percent shooting and 41.4 percent from beyond the arc. He also had 4.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest.

Parsons has a player option to opt out of in the final year of his three-year, $46 million contract this offseason, per Spotrac. The slated salary-cap increase may give him incentive to seek more money—or he may opt in at his current rate.

Cuban's comments certainly don't hurt the cause in what should be an interesting summer conversation between Parsons and the front office.

There is a considerable amount of uncertainty facing Dallas beyond its tenuous position in the West's playoff picture. Parsons is a potential cornerstone, so Cuban is wise to publicly endorse him, as longtime face of the franchise Dirk Nowitzki will end his career any year now.

This year's Mavs are largely a patchwork ensemble of veterans head coach Rick Carlisle has gotten to play at a competitive level. Parsons has played well enough to suggest he can help carry Dallas in the post-Nowitzki era and be part of whatever nucleus the Mavs forge in the coming years.