Chicago Bulls 2018-19 season preview: Jabari Parker set to bounce back

The Chicago Bulls took a calculated risk on Jabari Parker this summer. What can fans expect out of him during his first year as a Bull?

When the Chicago Bulls decided to sign Jabari Parker to a 2-year, $40 million deal, they knew there was some risk involved. The 6’8″ Chicago native is about to enter his 5th NBA season, but he’s only played in 183 total games. The good news for Bulls fans is that when he’s been healthy, he’s been really, really good.

Before tearing his ACL for the second time, Parker was having a phenomenal 2016-17 season for the Milwaukee Bucks. Per 100 possessions, he was averaging 30.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists on 49.0 percent shooting from the field and 36.5 percent shooting from 3-point range. He had a bit of trouble finding his rhythm when he returned to the court during the 2017-18 season, but if he can replicate the success he had a couple years ago, he’ll fit in perfectly with what the Bulls are trying to do.

The bad news, which most of you already know, is that the Bulls are already set at the 4, which is Parker’s natural position. Lauri Markkanen basically has that position locked up for a while. Parker will likely start the season at the 3, which isn’t ideal, but with Markkanen’s ability to stretch the floor, there should be enough room for Parker to work around the basket in the ways he’s most effective.

On Media Day, Parker was a man of few words, but he sounded optimistic about his fit with guys like Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen.

"“Chemistry is real key with those guys,” Parker said. “Just because the ball is going to be in their hands a lot of times so hopefully I can, you know, feed off of them.”"

When asked about playing the small forward, Parker also noted that he’s comfortable playing both the 3 and the 4.

"“Just wherever fits, whatever my coach wants to give me,” said Parker. “I’ll be prepared for it, but I’ve played both in the past.”"

Despite only averaging 12.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game last year for the Bucks, Parker showed flashes of what he was before the knee injury.

On April 1st in Denver, Parker dropped 35 points to go along with 10 boards in 39 minutes of play. That game jump-started an incredible end of the season run for Jabari. During the final six regular-season games, Parker averaged a nice19.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game on an efficient 49.5 percent shooting from the field and 45.8 percent shooting from 3-point land.

Parker’s minutes dropped off in the playoffs, though. He played only 15 minutes in the first game and 10 minutes in the second game. The Bucks lost both of those games. Then, they gave Parker more minutes in games three and four. The Bucks won both of those games.

Coincidence? Probably not.

Maybe if they had given him a bigger opportunity earlier in the series, they would’ve come out on top. That’s all in the past, though.

Now, Parker is a Bull and his sole focus should be on how he can fit in with the other talented pieces on this team.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Jabari Parker is the most talented player on this Bulls roster. If they can figure out the chemistry between the four main guys, Parker could be in line for a huge season.

Projected 2018-19 stat line: 21.0 PPG / 5.0 RPG / 2.0 APG / 48.0% FG / 37.5% 3FG