Now, this is kind of walking into the unknown considering Jabari has come off two ACL tears but, let’s dive in.
The Chicago Bulls signed Jabari Parker this offseason to a two year $40 million dollar deal, with the 2nd year of the deal being a team option. The Bulls plan for Parker is for him to be the starting Small Forward going forward. While some fans have doubted that Jabari has the athletic prowess and ability to play the 3, it was his natural position in high school and at Duke University.
Jabari also brings back much-needed stability to the Small Forward position. Last year, Denzel Valentine had some reps at the 3 as well as Justin Holiday. If Parker can stay healthy he has some serious potential in being one of the top 3’s in the Eastern Conference. Parker has enough athleticism and scoring talent to bully smaller Small Forwards and he has enough scoring ability to hang with the elite at the position.
The video above proves that Jabari has the athleticism, scoring prowess, and basketball IQ to make make the move back to the 3. Also going by the numbers Jabari has improved since he’s been a pro. Obviously, missing time with two ACL tears slowed him down but, he has still made jumps in his game.
Through social media, fans have gotten to see the work Jabari has been putting in this off-season. It seems to be that Jabari is slimming down a bit to get leaner and gain quickness to prepare to play Small forward full time.
Another plus of having Jabari in the starting lineup is he fits “Hoiball”. Having a wing that can shoot threes and put the ball on the floor is going to benefit Fred Hoibergs offense. Only time will tell on how Jabari truly fits in with this team but, it’s nice to see a young high ceiling player get a second chance with his hometown team.
Jabari Parker and the rest of the Chicago Bulls will grow together this season and it should make for some exciting basketball.
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