A lot of talk about the team losing key pieces this summer, but one could argue we lost the three personalities that fit in the least. Asik was usually isolated from the rest, that was easy to see. Although Lin and CP hung out with others, at times they were like the couple within the group, who only really had eyes for each other. Obviously, play is important, but how guys interact and see eye to eye overall can't be overlooked. Rather than becoming an issue, a lot of the petty stuff gets swept under the rug.
Parsons leaving visibly changed the demeanor of the team. They seem much more serious and focused in while before it was more of a party on the court every night.
Lin and Parsons are good guys and good players (especially CP) but both are media whores. Modelling, documentaries, whatnots... This group now is all about business, feels like like a real pro team.
Like the team chemistry that is taking place thus far. As for Asik he did not want to be in H-Town(did not give 100%), Lin keep making bone headed mistakes in crucial times in games D not good, and Parsons lost his will to play D every game(he rather score then play D). Still need a true back up Center on the team though.
This team went without a vet leader for a while (rightly) looking for young talent to develop. Ariza is the first established vet that can actually REALLY contribute on the court on a high level. This does great things for chemistry.
I think most of us misunderstood what Parsons was for the team. We assumed that he was the glue guy because he seemed to have the personality. But in reality, he might be this:
I don't think we should underestimate the addition of Terry too. He's a great veteran locker room guy and on top of that, he's played well.
