Sep 29, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks player Jabari Parker pose for a picture during media day at the Cousins Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jabari Parker, F, Milwaukee Bucks
Jabari Parker was possibly unfairly labeled as one of the most “NBA ready” prospects. The Milwaukee Bucks, who are in a continued search for a franchise player, selected Parker with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2014 NBA draft. The hope, for Milwaukee, is that Parker will end such search.
Although, labeling Parker a franchise player is a bit premature for a myriad of reasons.
For one, he has yet to play an official game in the NBA.
And two, three and four, he ins’t close to a complete player as he sets to begin year one in the NBA.
Parker struggled with many aspects of the game in college. If he had trouble in college, guess what will happen to him in the Association on a night in and night out basis.
Most above all, he struggles on defense — mightily. It’s not the kind of struggle that can be easily covered up by scheme or superb offense, it’s nearly on the level on James Harden. Parker simply doesn’t have the defensive foot speed or defensive fundamentals to stay in front of skilled wings — and that will hurt him early on.
Specifically in his rookie campaign.