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Chicago Bulls’ future plans change because of the signing of Jabari Parker?

By Idrees Muhammad Kudaimi

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: Jabari Parker #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of Round One of the 2018 NBA. Playoffs on April 28, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: Jabari Parker #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of Round One of the 2018 NBA. Playoffs on April 28, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Chicago Bulls signed Jabari Parker to a 2 year deal worth $40 million with a team option for the 2nd year. What does this mean for the rebuild?

As you have likely heard by this point, Jabari Parker is coming home to join his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls.

Most people I’ve heard like the Jabari Parker deal. It works as a prove it type of signing. But you might be asking yourself: Why? Sure, he has potential and is young (23) and it is his hometown, but we don’t need another power forward. It’s not like he can shoot the 3 ball very well. Why would we sign him?

Well, I’m here to answer that question for you.

What are the Bulls getting in Jabari Parker?

Jabari Parker is a former Bucks player who was considered one of the best high school players (from Simeon in Chicago) in a while. He has been in the NBA for four years, and has averaged 15.3 PPG in 30 minutes per game. Parker barely shoots threes but does have a 35% clip from them. He also has averaged 5.5 RPG and 2 APG. He has the ability to do everything but doesn’t seriously excel at one thing. Jabari is also an average defender, though can’t defend wing players.

What position are the Bulls going to play him?

As of right now, it’s expected that Parker will play the small forward position next to Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr. in the frontcourt. It may be an odd fit, as Parker struggled at the three with Milwaukee. We will have to see if him playing by stretch big men helps him at the three. Though Parker doesn’t really fit the mold for Hoiberg’s pace and space.

Will the Bulls now make the playoffs?

I still feel there are eightt teams in the East better than the Bulls. Those teams would be Boston, Philly, Toronto, Washington, Miami, Milwaukee, Indiana, Detroit, and Charlotte. The Bulls definitely have a much higher chance to make the playoffs than last year.

What position would the Bulls be in if they successfully tank and get a top 10 pick? What about if they make the playoffs?

Both scenarios could include promising performances from the young core, though making the playoffs would prove that more. The Bulls making the playoffs would make them a better spot for free agents to land in 2019. Tanking would give us a shot at a top prospect (Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, Nassir Little, Cameron Reddish).

Next: Chicago Bulls fans getting their questions answered

Honestly, considering we’re in the East, it’s not too big of a difference in whether we make the playoffs or not. We still have a higher first round pick, plenty of cap space, and a young core. Jabari Parker could be accepted for his team option if he plays well enough then a new deal could be negotiated in 2020.

In short, this deal was VERY good for the Bulls, and it will help the rebuild immensely.

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