Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

When he is not too busy hitting on my girlfriend, Chandler Parsons is blossoming into one of the top front court players in the NBA. Parson’s play continues to improve each season, his FG% and three point FG% continue to rise each year. His emergence as the second best offensive weapon for the Rockets behind James Harden, has been a huge win for Daryl Morey and his front office.

Parson’s ability to knock down three pointers and use his 6’ 9” frame to slash the paint made him seem like a lock to make the initial 28 player roster for Team USA. There are rumors that Parsons was not invited to the team due to his recent split from Nike, who is a huge sponsor of Team USA basketball. In December 2013, Parsons left Nike and signed a long term deal with Chinese brand ANTA. If the shoe brand a player wears determines a roster spot for Team USA, then the team’s basketball management should be ashamed of themselves.

The snub from Team USA has not fazed Parsons one bit. Parsons sees the pass up as a positive, he tweeted this once he learned he would not be a part of Team USA: “Thanks for the motivation.” A hungry Parsons should excite Rockets fans, and at the same time frighten opponents. Missing out on Team USA will make Parsons even more of a threat on the court. And his last six games prove that.

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY

In the games since learning he would not be playing for Team USA this summer Parsons is shooting 57.9% and 57.1% from three point land, both well above his season averages. In that span he set the Rockets franchise record for most three pointers made by an individual, when he hit 10 against the Memphis Grizzlies. He also netted a career-high 34 points in that contest.

Parsons playing with a chip on his shoulder is going to be an asset for the Rockets in these last 32 games. Having a go-to scorer behind Harden will make the Rockets offense dangerous in post season play. Parsons play down the stretch run of the season will definitely catch the eye of Team USA executives, and hopefully make them regret not selecting him to represent Team USA.