After a long wait for trade referendums, waiting periods no one understands and whirlwind trade activity the dust is starting to settle. The Atlanta Hawks themselves made a bevy of roster moves but brought in a lone free agent, Jabari Parker.
Yes, that Jabari Parker, former 2nd pick in the draft to the Milwaukee Bucks Jabari Parker, former one and done from Duke Jabari Parker. The first thoughts that come to mind are “typical Duke guy who is bust in the NBA.” Maybe or maybe not for Parker. Perhaps he has had a stroke of bad luck. The former lottery pick has suffered two ACL surgeries in his young career. In his rookie season in 2014, he was selected as rookie of the month twice before having his season cut short due to an ACL tear to his left knee. He seemed to be gaining strength and his play was improving with each month in his second year and by 2017 seemed to be becoming the player he was projected to be when injury struck yet again. This time it was a similar injury to the same knee.
Fast forward to last year where Parker spent time with Chicago and Washington in a backup role, he was able to average around 15 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while playing about 26 minutes. Parker is only 24 years old so there is plenty of miles left on him if he can stay healthy. Parker had several suitors in free agency, but he chose the Hawks and a two-year 13-million-dollar deal. He is accepting of a role coming off the bench and could provide an excellent backup to budding star Jon Collins. Parker is much preferred for his offensive prowess than his defense but hopefully, he can be consistent midrange and low post scorer for our second unit. Maybe I’m drinking the Kool-Aid, but I dare to say I like the signing. Plus, I think Mr. Schlenk knows what he is doing. I’m buying in.
