3. Jabari Parker
Jabari Parker has had a confusing first season with the Bulls so far. He’s shown flashes of brilliance that remind you why he was the second overall draft pick in 2014, but he’s also shown that when he’s not locked in, he can be one of the worst defenders in basketball.
During the summer, the Bulls signed Parker to a 2-year, $40 million contract with a team option for the second year. That means that this season is extremely important for both parties as they work to see if there’s any chance at forming a long-term relationship.
On the season, Parker is averaging 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game on 45.6 percent shooting from the field and 30.9 percent shooting from 3-point territory. Those numbers are pretty good, especially considering this is a player that has dealt with multiple serious injuries in a short amount of time.
The good news for both Parker and Bulls fans is that it seems as though Parker is getting better each week.
Over the last five games, Jabari is averaging 22.4 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game on 50.0 percent shooting from the field.
Jabari Parker recorded his third straight 20-point game, this time against the Timberwolves.
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 25, 2018
Game stats:
27pts / 7reb / 4ast / 1blk pic.twitter.com/Pius1aC2Cn
Parker has shown that when he’s engaged on both ends of the floor, he can help this team win ball games. Whether or not the Bulls pick up the team option on Jabari’s contract for next year will likely depend on how he meshes with franchise cornerstone Lauri Markkanen.
Regardless of how well Parker is playing, if he doesn’t fit well with Markkanen, this will likely be a one-and-done for Jabari in Chicago.