If we know anything about reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Micah Parsons, it’s that he's an enormous sports fan, cheering on his beloved Phillies during their recent World Series run. However, the Cowboys linebacker finds himself in a love triangle at present, battling conflicted feelings for two Western Conference rivals—the reigning champion Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks, with whom he now shares a home city.
Determining an NBA allegiance has proven harder than anticipated with Parsons torn between Steph Curry’s three-point wizardry and the meteoric rise of Slovenian phenom Luka Doncic, beginning the season with nine straight 30-point performances. Both made compelling cases Monday night, with Curry erupting for 47 points in a comeback win over Sacramento (snapping Golden State’s five-game losing streak) while Doncic went ballistic on Brooklyn with 36 points, six rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block over 38 productive minutes.
Parsons’ flip-flopping of late would suggest his fandom can be bought, open to the highest bidder with bribes—perhaps in the form of courtside seats and free merchandise—not only accepted but encouraged. The Mavs would seem to have a distinct advantage from that standpoint, assuming proximity and convenience are important to Parsons. However, old habits die hard, a lesson the 23-year-old learned firsthand, trying but ultimately failing to quit the Warriors cold turkey.
Regardless of who he roots for on the hardwood, Parsons has put together another brilliant season, following up last year’s breakout with an even better 2022, totaling eight sacks in as many games while holding PFF’s third-highest grade among edge rushers (that’s out of 115 positional qualifiers). Coming off a bye, the Pro Bowler should be well-rested for Sunday's showdown with the Packers in Green Bay.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram