2. Jabari Parker should come off the bench
If you would’ve told me three weeks ago that I would be saying Jabari Parker should come off the bench to start the season, I would’ve said you’re crazy. But, with the current state of the Chicago Bulls, that’s where I’m at right now.
Parker has really struggled to find his shot during the preseason. Before the game against Denver, he was averaging 9.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game on a rough 26.5 percent shooting from the field and 20.0 percent shooting from 3-point territory.
However, Friday night against the Nuggets, Jabari broke out of his slump.
Parker finished the game with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting from the field and 3-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc.
.@JabariParker lead the Bulls shooting 7-11 from the floor with 19 points and 7 boards in loss to Denver. pic.twitter.com/QStoEnayiO
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 13, 2018
Jabari’s ability to run the second unit makes me think that he should continue to come off the bench for the time being.
I still think Jabari is a starter in this league and should eventually be a starter on this team, but without the floor spacing of Lauri Markkenen in the lineup, the court is just a little too congested with Parker out there with the starters.
Once Markkanen comes back, I would expect Bobby Portis to shift back to the bench along with Justin Holiday, making room for Jabari and Lauri to start tearing up the East together.