There are many ways to gauge improvement. If you were the deal-breaker for a Carmelo Anthony trade, then that's a good indicator. Chandler Parsons is fast becoming the final component to form another legitimate Big Three in the West.

There are many reasons for Parsons to stand out, He's now a signature model for Buffalo Jeans, but he still prefers to be noticed for his outstanding skills.

Chandler has complete faith in his team, and apparently, with GM Daryl Morey as well. In a revealing interview with Grantland, the former Florida Gator shares his views:

"Do you view this team as a real title contender? Are you at the level where you can get through four series?

CP: Yeah. I definitely think so. I think we're getting better and better. We have to get back healthy, and every team goes through that. But when we're at full strength and we're playing the right way, we're tough to beat. I definitely think we're there. We just gotta get healthy."

He also talks about how he needs to adjust:

"What's one individual skill you've really worked on - one thing you watch for on film, when you watch yourself?

CP:I want to be able to guard one through four [point guards through power forwards]. I've been trying to get there all year. Tonight, I'm starting on Deron Williams. Last night, I started on Chris Paul. I have to continue to get stronger, guard the post better, guard on pindowns better. With added strength, I think all that will develop better."

Parsons seems like a perfect fit for the Rockets:

"One thing I've always wanted to ask you: Do you feel lucky you got drafted here? By that, I mean, this system is pretty free-flowing. Right away, you got to run pick-and-rolls, drive into gaps, and try lots of stuff. Not every rookie gets to do that.

CP:Oh, yeah. This league is all about opportunity. That draft night, I was furious. I thought I should have went a lot higher. But I couldn't have went to a better situation. I couldn't have went to a team with a better coach for me, with a better offensive system for me. That night was frustrating. But I could have easily went to the Heat or the Thunder and been a bench player. Instead, I was thrown in the fire my sixth game of my rookie year, and I've started ever since."

Parsons apparently talked to his GM Daryl Morey about a pay hike:

"Daryl once told me that last season, you came into his office and asked for a raise.That you asked if it were possible to renegotiate your contract. Is that true?

CP:I may have done that. That's just a product of our relationship. I was probably kidding. That's just the kind of relationship I have with those guys. We're so open, we're so close, we talk about everything. I was just giving them a hard time."

He does deserve a raise-he was integral in the Dwight Howard recruitment last year. Parsons would be a highly regarded commodity when his contract expires, and the Rockets should be ready to pay.