Jabari Parker
Small Forward – 6’9 – 241lbs – Age – 19 – Duke – FR
Reach – 8’11.5 – Wingspan – 6’11.75 Max Vert – ??
Season Averages: 19.1 PPG – 8.7 RPG – 1.2 APG – 47%FG – 36%(3FG) -75%FT
Draft Projection – Top 3 for sure, could go number #1 overall
Strengths
Most advanced offensively and physically of the top three freshmen being considered for the top pick in the draft. He’s a “Pick, Plug and Play” guy right away.
Solid athlete, not great, but is a good effort guy and a high character kid with a high basketball IQ.
Can score it inside and out with an array of moves and also passes the ball well because of his understanding of the game. So he possesses a complete all-around game on offense.
Can shoot it all over the court. Nice jumper with good range.
His rebounding and handle are above average.
Is a small forward but should be able to play some power forward as well depending on match ups and as he gets older and stronger.
Weaknesses
Below average defensive player especially on the perimeter because of slow foot speed. His pick n roll defense needs a ton of work and that’s a big part of the NBA game.
As knowledgeable as he is on offense, his defensive knowledge and understanding of team defense is not good and must improve.
Needs to get in better shape for the NBA game which is more up tempo than he’s used to on both offense and defense. This will also help him with his lift on jumpers and finishing at the rim.
Thinks offense first and at times that can hurt him. Will have to learn that just because he’s open doesn’t mean it’s a good shot in the NBA.
Had problems on offense against long, lengthy and aggressive defenders which he will face more of in the NBA.
Some think he might be a tweener. Too slow to play and guard the 3’s and not big enough to bang with the 4’s.
Roda Thoughts:
If you’re looking for a player to help you right away offensively, to score you point and potential and a higher ceiling aren’t your main concerns, then Parker is your guy over Joel Embiid and Andrew Wiggins. Parker scores in a variety of ways and his body is ready for the day-to-day NBA pounding, although he must watch his weight and get in better shape. If you have a rim protector or your squad plays solid team defense, then you’ll be able to hide Parker, whose biggest weakness is his defense. Parker is a Top 3 pick and if Embiid’s back doesn’t check out to the Cavs liking and owner Dan Gilbert’s patience is wearing thin of not making the playoffs, I could see the Cavs taking Parker over Wiggins because they want to win right away and Parker fills a major offensive void at the small forward position. Parker has been compared to Paul Pierce and Carmelo Anthony, so below are all three of their numbers from their freshman years in college.
FRESHAMN STATS IN COLLEGE:
Parker – 6’9-240-2014– 19.1ppg – 8.7rpg – 1.2apg – 47.3%fg – 35.8%(3fg) – 74.8%ft
Anthony – 6’8-230-2003– 22.2ppg– 10rpg– 2.2apg – 45.3%fg – 33.7%(3fg)– 70.6%ft
Pierce – 6’6-230-1996- 11.9ppg – 5.3rpg – 1.8apg – 41.9%ft – 30.4%(3fg) – 60.6%ft
