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Chicago Bulls: Signing Jabari Parker is the right move

By Luke Askew

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 22: Jabari Parker #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks points and runs up court after scoring in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics on April 22, 2018 at Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 22: Jabari Parker #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks points and runs up court after scoring in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics on April 22, 2018 at Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Chicago Bulls have made some interesting moves this summer, including recently agreeing to a deal with Jabari Parker. Here’s why signing Jabari Parker is the right move.

Many Chicago Bulls fans are up in arms about the latest news that the Bulls are reportedly going to sign Jabari Parker. Per Adrian Wojnarowski, it’s going to be a 2-year, $40 million deal. However, on the flip side, a lot of Chicago Bulls fans are thrilled about giving the 23-year-old Chicago native a chance to show out for his hometown team.

You can include me in the latter.

I know Bulls fans are hesitant about signing both Jabari Parker and Zach LaVine. I get it, knee injuries are serious. However, when the Bulls traded Jimmy Butler and embarked on a full rebuild, they lost the luxury of being picky when it comes to the injury history of young, talented players wanting to play for Chicago.

They need to gather as much talent as they can and figure it out from there – and they’re doing a good job of that.

During the 2016-17 season, before tearing his ACL, Parker averaged an incredible 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game on an efficient 49.0 percent shooting from the field and 36.5 percent shooting from 3-point range. Plus, he was only 21 years old at the time. In what basketball universe are we ready to give up on a player with that type of potential just because of some injuries? If Parker were 31, this would be different, but he’s only 23. He still has 8, maybe 9, years left in his prime.

The Bulls will likely play Parker at the 3 during the 2018-19 NBA season. This would be a bad idea for most teams, but with the Bulls, it actually makes sense.

Parker has a unique skill set. He can shoot the ball, create off the dribble and he’s especially good when cutting to the basket. That’s why I’m not as worried about the “odd” fit that many are talking about. Yes, Lauri Markkanen is going to play the 4 which is probably where Jabari is best suited, but Markkanen isn’t your typical 4. His ability to stretch the floor and play off the ball should leave Jabari with plenty of room to create off the dribble and slash to the hoop. Even Wendell Carter Jr. can space the floor at the 5 position. There should be no logjam in the paint, which seems to be the biggest problem with playing Parker at the 3.

An important part to the Parker deal is that the second year is a team option (per Adrian Wojnarowski). If the fit is weirder than I think it will be or if Parker can’t stay healthy, the Bulls will have the luxury of cutting ties with Parker, leaving them with plenty of cap space left for the summer of 2019. On the flip side, if the fit works out well and Parker stays healthy, the Bulls can run it back for a second season and start thinking about more long-term options.

Next: Jabari Parker is coming home

I understand why some Bulls fans will be skeptical, but the reality is, the Bulls have loads of talent that are all 24 years old or younger. Some of them are bound to work out. Maybe it’s Markkanen, maybe it’s LaVine, maybe it’s Parker, or maybe it’s all three. Heck, maybe it’s even all five (Kris Dunn and Wendell Carter Jr. being the other two).

Either way, the future is extremely bright for Chicago. The 2018-19 season should be fun.