Jabari Parker found a way to come home. The Chicago-born basketball player stared at Duke but it always seemed like his dream was to become a star for the team he grew up watching the Bulls. After some frustrating years with the Milwaukee Bucks, he finally got that chance by signing a two-year, $20 million deal with the team.
Expectations are high for him. Despite injury issues in the past, Parker is still just 23-years old. He was also playing really well towards the end of last season, looking like the talented scorer he was coming out of Duke. The Bulls took a calculated gamble that he can finally put the health issues to bed with a change of scenery to his hometown.
Parker’s aim is no less than becoming a hero in Chicago. How great a story would it be for him to come home and rescue both his career and the Bulls from years of losing? The problem is he has a tall ladder to climb. Chicago’s already had plenty of icons who thrived close to home.
Jabari Parker will battle a tough list of Chicago-born stars
Chicago has produced a host of sports stars over the years. Not just in basketball but in several variations be it baseball, football, hockey or others. However, to date, the Mount Rushmore of athletes who grew up in the city and then starred for a local team is led by a three-headed monster. Of course, it must start with Derrick Rose.
The former Bulls point guard was a phenom when he first arrived in the NBA. He went to three All-Star games, was Rookie of the Year and claimed MVP honors in 2010-2011. Everybody was certain he’d bring home a championship. Then he started to suffer knee injuries. Bit by bit his explosion began to disappear. It was heartbreaking to watch.
Then there’s the main man of Chicago Blackhawks lore, Chris Chelios. People weren’t sure when they were getting when the 5’11 kid arrived from Montreal. He quickly established himself as one of the best defensemen in the NHL. He went to 11 All-Star games, won three Norris trophies and got the Blackhawks to their first Stanley Cup since 1961.
Amazingly though, Chelios is still just #2. The main man of Chicago-bred studs was the true intimidator in sports history: Dick Butkus. He was the greatest middle linebacker of his generation and still might arguably be the best ever. He went to eight Pro Bowls, intercepted passes, forced fumbles and struck fear in the hearts of grown men.
These are the pillars that Parker will be staring at as he begins the next phase of his career. He’s got enough time to build one of his own, but it’s going to take a ton of hard work and perseverance.