[tuck243Participant]

I’ve been coming to this site since ’03.  When Darko said he believes he’s better than LeBron.  "I play against grown men".  Which prompted maybe the worst GM in recent history, Joe Dumars, to draft him over HOF and starting players.  I have to say this Jabari Parker situation is the first I’ve seen in these 11 years.

Maybe it’s because we see just how important defense is in the league now.  We know that if your best player plays defense then the team will follow.  Maybe we hold higher value on the other intangibles of the game than just offensive power.  That will seem highly possible, but one thing that always bother me with it……  Why now?  The other players that are praised and considered all-stars or MVP candidates DO NOT play defense.  Should I go down the list?

Blake Griffin – Will let you blow by him without blinking. (although he has realized how to use the verticality rule to his advantage in the playoffs, that’s commendable)

Kevin Durant – Get hid on defense all the time

Kevin Love – No comment

Steph Curry – Same as Kevin Durant, but at least Kevin tries…  Steph wants no parts

Damion Lillard – Exact replica as Steph on defense.

James Harden – Maybe the worst out of everyone, because he just doesn’t give a fawk…

Kobe Bryant – unless you’ve been under a rock for a few years, you’ll know that Kobe’s defense has been TERRIBLE.  Google it when you get time.  Kobe’s my favorite player and I see it constantly.

Carmelo Anthony – Although I think he’s played solid defense this year, over the years he’s been terrible.

Dirk Nowitzki – Never been considered to stop anything or grab boards.

There are more, but you guys get the point.

So why are you guys stopping yourself from picking Jabari Parker, or shall I say continue to slander him?  Joe Johnson is considered slow and do a decent job guarding wings.  Paul Pierce is another one through out his career did decent defensively.  Outside of Tony Allen, majority of the elite level defenders in recent memory are not elite athletes.  Thabo can’t even dunk a ball sometimes. 

SB Nation did a piece on Jabari’s game, including defense.  One thing that I realized about defense, it’s majority effort. Jabari is a SF.  You’re not asking him to protect the bucket (even though he did a good job at Duke playing 5).  You asking him to contain his man.  This has been overblown far too long.

"His main issues — shot selection and defensive effort — are both fixable under the right coach." – Tyler Lashbrook

My thoughts exactly…

Here’s the article.

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/5/22/5626576/jabari-parker-scouting-report-nba-draft-2014

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

Does Jabari have an elite quality like the names you just posted? I doubt it.

Blake is arguably the best athlete to play PF.

KD is well on his way to finishing to be the best scorer in NBA history.

Curry is on track to be the best 3 point shooter of all time.

Lillard isnt an elite PG in my eyes, and wouldnt go top 3 in his re-draft…so i dont know why you named him.

Harden …yeah, i got nothing for him. truly bad on that end, but the thing is, its getting exposed. He Hasnt won a series in Houston. Which shows you the importance of your main player actually playing defense.

Kobe is the 2nd best SG of all time. 

Melo has never made a finals appearance. Again, shows the importance of your main player acually playing defense.

Dirk is the best shooting 7 footer of all time.

My point here is, the guys you claim doesnt play D, all have an ELITE quality. The ones who havnt won anything ( Melo, Harden,Lillard) highlight the importance of playing defense if you’re not truly amazing at doing somthing.

Also, Parker projects to be more of a PF than a SF. Not to mention the two other prospects ahead of him, both can be just as effective on the offensive end with the tools to be elite defenders.

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

Does Jabari have an elite quality like the names you just posted? I doubt it.

Blake is arguably the best athlete to play PF.

KD is well on his way to finishing to be the best scorer in NBA history.

Curry is on track to be the best 3 point shooter of all time.

Lillard isnt an elite PG in my eyes, and wouldnt go top 3 in his re-draft…so i dont know why you named him.

Harden …yeah, i got nothing for him. truly bad on that end, but the thing is, its getting exposed. He Hasnt won a series in Houston. Which shows you the importance of your main player actually playing defense.

Kobe is the 2nd best SG of all time. 

Melo has never made a finals appearance. Again, shows the importance of your main player acually playing defense.

Dirk is the best shooting 7 footer of all time.

My point here is, the guys you claim doesnt play D, all have an ELITE quality. The ones who havnt won anything ( Melo, Harden,Lillard) highlight the importance of playing defense if you’re not truly amazing at doing somthing.

Also, Parker projects to be more of a PF than a SF. Not to mention the two other prospects ahead of him, both can be just as effective on the offensive end with the tools to be elite defenders.

[tuck243Participant]

That’s my issue.   If people would say that Jabari offensively isn’t elite then maybe I would agree with your point.  That’s not the case.  The main issue people have with him is because of his defense.  I’m here to tell everyone that it shouldn’t be a deal breaker. 

Bigger question.  Do you consider Jabari Parker an elite talent?

He’s a SF.  His handles are better than a lot of current SF’s and it’s almost similar to Durant’s.  Duke played him at 5 because they didn’t have a big man outside of Marshall "invincible" Plumlee.  Don’t believe the hype.  He’s a 3 man, that can play the 4, ala Melo.

[tuck243Participant]

That’s my issue.   If people would say that Jabari offensively isn’t elite then maybe I would agree with your point.  That’s not the case.  The main issue people have with him is because of his defense.  I’m here to tell everyone that it shouldn’t be a deal breaker. 

Bigger question.  Do you consider Jabari Parker an elite talent?

He’s a SF.  His handles are better than a lot of current SF’s and it’s almost similar to Durant’s.  Duke played him at 5 because they didn’t have a big man outside of Marshall "invincible" Plumlee.  Don’t believe the hype.  He’s a 3 man, that can play the 4, ala Melo.

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

he projects to be a PF due to his average footspeed/lateral quickness. 

He’s not an elite shooter also. the numbers dont show it, he just had a high volume of shots off to get his numbers. I dont really see an elite quality from him.

i understand the siutation at Duke which forced him to play the 5, but with his measurements,weight issues,& average athlete he’s likely to be a PF in the NBA

Melo is a better athlete than Parker with an elite mid range game.

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

he projects to be a PF due to his average footspeed/lateral quickness. 

He’s not an elite shooter also. the numbers dont show it, he just had a high volume of shots off to get his numbers. I dont really see an elite quality from him.

i understand the siutation at Duke which forced him to play the 5, but with his measurements,weight issues,& average athlete he’s likely to be a PF in the NBA

Melo is a better athlete than Parker with an elite mid range game.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

Do teams KNOW that Jabari Parker is a power forward, or are they under the assumption that he is a small forward?  I always thought he was a 3 — the next Carmelo Anthony or Paul Pierce.  As a power forward I don’t see his comparison. 

Is he competing with Jarnell Stokes?

Is Jabari Parker working out for teams?

I don’t think you can take a guy number one if you can’t answer, "what is this guy?"

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

Do teams KNOW that Jabari Parker is a power forward, or are they under the assumption that he is a small forward?  I always thought he was a 3 — the next Carmelo Anthony or Paul Pierce.  As a power forward I don’t see his comparison. 

Is he competing with Jarnell Stokes?

Is Jabari Parker working out for teams?

I don’t think you can take a guy number one if you can’t answer, "what is this guy?"

[tuck243Participant]

Is the new "slander" that’s in scouts mind.  Obviously, with a handle like his, he should be at the 3 and can play the 4 in stretches or far a "small ball" team.  

Jabari might be the classic example of getting bored and hand picking faults.  He’s not Derrick Williams or Michael Beasley.   He’s better than Rudy Gay with his handles.  I don’t see the issue here.

[tuck243Participant]

Is the new "slander" that’s in scouts mind.  Obviously, with a handle like his, he should be at the 3 and can play the 4 in stretches or far a "small ball" team.  

Jabari might be the classic example of getting bored and hand picking faults.  He’s not Derrick Williams or Michael Beasley.   He’s better than Rudy Gay with his handles.  I don’t see the issue here.

[BallinmvpParticipant]

 Yes like one of the previous posters said, he is a big, scoring, small forward. He has advanced ball handling for his size and position. He might get abused on defense but with experience and matchups I think he will be ok. His scoring could potentially be elite, some people know how to get buckets and I can see that in Jabari.

[BallinmvpParticipant]

 Yes like one of the previous posters said, he is a big, scoring, small forward. He has advanced ball handling for his size and position. He might get abused on defense but with experience and matchups I think he will be ok. His scoring could potentially be elite, some people know how to get buckets and I can see that in Jabari.

[foochiemorrisParticipant]

 So by your logic…..every short coming is justifiable if someone else also has that short coming?

 

 ….and you’re right he only has to contain not protect the rim. The problem is….if he plays SF, he could be asked to contain the likes of LBJ, Paul George, KD.

 

 Lateral quickness is finite. You can improve it, but you are what you are to a certain extent and no amount of effort will make you faster or quicker after you hit your ceiling. Doesn’t mean he can’t be a sucessful NBA player…..but if perimeter D is what you’re looking for….he’s probably not your guy.

[foochiemorrisParticipant]

 So by your logic…..every short coming is justifiable if someone else also has that short coming?

 

 ….and you’re right he only has to contain not protect the rim. The problem is….if he plays SF, he could be asked to contain the likes of LBJ, Paul George, KD.

 

 Lateral quickness is finite. You can improve it, but you are what you are to a certain extent and no amount of effort will make you faster or quicker after you hit your ceiling. Doesn’t mean he can’t be a sucessful NBA player…..but if perimeter D is what you’re looking for….he’s probably not your guy.

[tuck243Participant]

But is it an issue like people claim it is?  Are you asking for a superstar/all-star caliber player or a LeBron James?  LeBron James is once in a lifetime type talent.  A lot of guys won’t sniff a championship while he’s still in his prime.  There aren’t a lot of ELITE defenders that can’t stop LeBron, KD, PG, or Melo.  Hell, Leonard just got killed for 35 against him.   LeBron is shooting over 57% on jumpers against him.  The real question is will Jabari have problems defending other SF’s (especially in the East).  Ariza, MKG, Joe Johnson, Tobias Harris, Deng?  I again don’t see an issue.

I’m not mad at taking Embiid or Wiggins over Parker.  In fact I’ve stated several times that I would take Wiggins over him.  I’m just stating the reason for NOT taking him (or some people think Exum will be better) is flawed. 

With all that said…  I agree with everything you stated!!! LOL

[tuck243Participant]

But is it an issue like people claim it is?  Are you asking for a superstar/all-star caliber player or a LeBron James?  LeBron James is once in a lifetime type talent.  A lot of guys won’t sniff a championship while he’s still in his prime.  There aren’t a lot of ELITE defenders that can’t stop LeBron, KD, PG, or Melo.  Hell, Leonard just got killed for 35 against him.   LeBron is shooting over 57% on jumpers against him.  The real question is will Jabari have problems defending other SF’s (especially in the East).  Ariza, MKG, Joe Johnson, Tobias Harris, Deng?  I again don’t see an issue.

I’m not mad at taking Embiid or Wiggins over Parker.  In fact I’ve stated several times that I would take Wiggins over him.  I’m just stating the reason for NOT taking him (or some people think Exum will be better) is flawed. 

With all that said…  I agree with everything you stated!!! LOL

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

 your problem here is you think thats the ONLY reason teams will pass up on him, which isnt the case.

its a combo of things. lack of D + questionable shot selection + questionable athletcism+ questionable position.
 

when you add things up you try to determine his value, thats when NBA teams judge whether they want you or not.

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

 your problem here is you think thats the ONLY reason teams will pass up on him, which isnt the case.

its a combo of things. lack of D + questionable shot selection + questionable athletcism+ questionable position.
 

when you add things up you try to determine his value, thats when NBA teams judge whether they want you or not.

[tuck243Participant]

But I was talking about US, on this site.  When people speak about Jabari on here it’s his lack of defense that I continue to see.  I’m also not buying that he isn’t athletic either.  He might not be as quick as Melo, but he’s a better leaper than him.  Paul George isn’t quick to me either.  Just a pogo stick that’s long. 

I’ll give you the shot selection and lack of defense.  Athleticism on offense and lack of a real position is nitpicking… He’s more of a small forward offensively than Rudy Gay was coming out of college.  He has a low post game because Melo has one now.  LeBron has one now.  You can’t throw him into "lack of a real position" because Duke played him down there and he’s has game down there.   He was able to show you he can get to the bucket from the perimeter.  He was able to show his ability to create space and get off a jumper from the perimeter.  I’m sorry.  I’m not believing he’s not able to play SF in the league.  This isn’t a Mike Beasley or Derrick Williams situation as I stated before.  He’s a legit SF.

[tuck243Participant]

But I was talking about US, on this site.  When people speak about Jabari on here it’s his lack of defense that I continue to see.  I’m also not buying that he isn’t athletic either.  He might not be as quick as Melo, but he’s a better leaper than him.  Paul George isn’t quick to me either.  Just a pogo stick that’s long. 

I’ll give you the shot selection and lack of defense.  Athleticism on offense and lack of a real position is nitpicking… He’s more of a small forward offensively than Rudy Gay was coming out of college.  He has a low post game because Melo has one now.  LeBron has one now.  You can’t throw him into "lack of a real position" because Duke played him down there and he’s has game down there.   He was able to show you he can get to the bucket from the perimeter.  He was able to show his ability to create space and get off a jumper from the perimeter.  I’m sorry.  I’m not believing he’s not able to play SF in the league.  This isn’t a Mike Beasley or Derrick Williams situation as I stated before.  He’s a legit SF.

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

Im not saying he’s unathletic.

he’s average. His laterall movement is poor. 

Athletcism and position IS NOT nit picking. those are real question marks about him.

i fully expect him to be playing PF mid way thru next season.

[imAboutDatActionParticipant]

Im not saying he’s unathletic.

he’s average. His laterall movement is poor. 

Athletcism and position IS NOT nit picking. those are real question marks about him.

i fully expect him to be playing PF mid way thru next season.

[tuck243Participant]

All-Star time we will see where he’s at.   If he plays for the Bucks, I can see him playing the 4 because of Greek the Freak.  But if the Sixers get him and Thad is there, I’m sure he’ll play the 3. 

But All-Star break we’ll revisit this.  I favorite this on my browser, we shall see…  If you right, I’ll give you all the props you deserve bro.

[tuck243Participant]

All-Star time we will see where he’s at.   If he plays for the Bucks, I can see him playing the 4 because of Greek the Freak.  But if the Sixers get him and Thad is there, I’m sure he’ll play the 3. 

But All-Star break we’ll revisit this.  I favorite this on my browser, we shall see…  If you right, I’ll give you all the props you deserve bro.

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

 I agree that Jabari’s defensive shortcomings are mainly effort.  He also just looked completely lost on defense at Duke.  Was he coached to help and rotate because it sure didn’t look like it.  Is it possible that Jabari was so gifted offensively and such an important part of that team that K didn’t hold Jabari accountable for his lack of defense because of his status as a top propsect and such a big get for Duke?  I don’t know, because there were times Jabari was absolutely horrific on defense, especially at Notre Dame when he got dunked on a coupele times by slow white guys.  Coach K’s resume speaks for itself, and he’s one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all-time obviously.  Shouldn’t one of the best coaches in all of sports get his best and most talented player to at least put forth a consistent effort on the defensive end?  Jabari needs to be helf accountable for his poor defense.  Get called out by a coach during a drill, get yelled at by a veteran playing for being slow on a rotation.  I am almost positive Jabari was never called out one time at Duke.  Once he’s held accountable and possibly embarrassed a couple more times, I feel like his defense will drastically improve.  

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

 I agree that Jabari’s defensive shortcomings are mainly effort.  He also just looked completely lost on defense at Duke.  Was he coached to help and rotate because it sure didn’t look like it.  Is it possible that Jabari was so gifted offensively and such an important part of that team that K didn’t hold Jabari accountable for his lack of defense because of his status as a top propsect and such a big get for Duke?  I don’t know, because there were times Jabari was absolutely horrific on defense, especially at Notre Dame when he got dunked on a coupele times by slow white guys.  Coach K’s resume speaks for itself, and he’s one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all-time obviously.  Shouldn’t one of the best coaches in all of sports get his best and most talented player to at least put forth a consistent effort on the defensive end?  Jabari needs to be helf accountable for his poor defense.  Get called out by a coach during a drill, get yelled at by a veteran playing for being slow on a rotation.  I am almost positive Jabari was never called out one time at Duke.  Once he’s held accountable and possibly embarrassed a couple more times, I feel like his defense will drastically improve.  

[tuck243Participant]

Coach K did pull him out multiple times this past year for his lack of effort on defense.  With the last game being an example. 

Also, people don’t realize this but Coach K was a shell of himself this year.   He was less vocal on the bench with the refs and with his players.  Coach K lost his brother which he even stated himself was the reason he wasn’t mentally all there.

[tuck243Participant]

Coach K did pull him out multiple times this past year for his lack of effort on defense.  With the last game being an example. 

Also, people don’t realize this but Coach K was a shell of himself this year.   He was less vocal on the bench with the refs and with his players.  Coach K lost his brother which he even stated himself was the reason he wasn’t mentally all there.

[Ahkasi ClayParticipant]

 Of course you can draft a player #1,  even if you don’t know what position they fit.  

Cleveland did it last year.

[Ahkasi ClayParticipant]

 Of course you can draft a player #1,  even if you don’t know what position they fit.  

Cleveland did it last year.

[anthony_DavIS23Participant]

How’d that turn out?

[anthony_DavIS23Participant]

How’d that turn out?

[nill650Participant]

 bennett stunk on d not to mention his injury and poor coaching etc etc In his defense he never earned any practice minutes under mike brown worth a dime on offense. his offensive game was rock solid in college.don’t tell me the acc was that much  better than the mountain west this yr either.

I can’t accept the idea of ranking parker above wiggins embiid vonleh and randle. but if all these players were in last yrs draft class I’d still take Bennett over vonleh parker and randle.

You can’t calla player bust after 1 season of college and 1 season in a org that troubled.

 

 

 

 

[nill650Participant]

 bennett stunk on d not to mention his injury and poor coaching etc etc In his defense he never earned any practice minutes under mike brown worth a dime on offense. his offensive game was rock solid in college.don’t tell me the acc was that much  better than the mountain west this yr either.

I can’t accept the idea of ranking parker above wiggins embiid vonleh and randle. but if all these players were in last yrs draft class I’d still take Bennett over vonleh parker and randle.

You can’t calla player bust after 1 season of college and 1 season in a org that troubled.

 

 

 

 

[ibe12Participant]

I totally agree. Most guys who are average shooters by the time they get into the NBA usually take years to be even respectable shooters. Chances are they didn’t have to shoot that much in H.S, or college cause they either could out athletic everybody or didn’t focus on it. Natural scorers at Parker’s size is hard to find. I’d rather get a great offensive player to play defense than teach an athletic guy how to shoot.

[ibe12Participant]

I totally agree. Most guys who are average shooters by the time they get into the NBA usually take years to be even respectable shooters. Chances are they didn’t have to shoot that much in H.S, or college cause they either could out athletic everybody or didn’t focus on it. Natural scorers at Parker’s size is hard to find. I’d rather get a great offensive player to play defense than teach an athletic guy how to shoot.

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Yes, he is a subpar one on one defender.  He doesn’t give great effort.  But let’s not pretend that teams in the NBA are playing man to man all game.  Defense is a team concept now, just like offense.  Everybody has to move at one, it’s not the mid 90’s anymore.  With that being said, he is a high IQ guy, extremely intelligent basketball player.  Sure he’s never going to be Tony Allen, but if he gives effort… like I imagine will be required of him he will be fine.  He is also an above average weakside defender, which since he will never be thrown on the best player offensively to shut him down… is most likely where he will be playing.  

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Yes, he is a subpar one on one defender.  He doesn’t give great effort.  But let’s not pretend that teams in the NBA are playing man to man all game.  Defense is a team concept now, just like offense.  Everybody has to move at one, it’s not the mid 90’s anymore.  With that being said, he is a high IQ guy, extremely intelligent basketball player.  Sure he’s never going to be Tony Allen, but if he gives effort… like I imagine will be required of him he will be fine.  He is also an above average weakside defender, which since he will never be thrown on the best player offensively to shut him down… is most likely where he will be playing.  

[Robb_CParticipant]

Jabari is a future all-star, he will be a decent defender just for the sole fact that he cares about playing defense.. he does have limitations (slow lateral speed) but thats just scouts being scouts nit picking anything they can about a prospect just because he has slow lateral speed doesnt mean he wont be effective at stopping the guy in front of him.. His father raised him to be a hard worker.. for all you that think he wont be a capable defender in the league you are all sadly mistaken.. 

[Robb_CParticipant]

Jabari is a future all-star, he will be a decent defender just for the sole fact that he cares about playing defense.. he does have limitations (slow lateral speed) but thats just scouts being scouts nit picking anything they can about a prospect just because he has slow lateral speed doesnt mean he wont be effective at stopping the guy in front of him.. His father raised him to be a hard worker.. for all you that think he wont be a capable defender in the league you are all sadly mistaken.. 

[SplashKingParticipant]

How does Jabari have a questionable position? It’s not that he doesn’t have a position. Actually it’s the opposite, he can play on the wing(his handles are ELITE at his size, & he NBA has range on his jumper), and he can play in the post. Why do people keep saying he’s too slow or unathletic? He’s certainly not a below average athlete. He’s more atheltic than Carmelo, prime. PP, Kevin Love, Chandler Parsons,  MKG. Just a few names off the top of my head. It’s not like he’s Kyle Anderson. And I see him as a 24 ppg career player so I would say that is an elite scorer.

[SplashKingParticipant]

How does Jabari have a questionable position? It’s not that he doesn’t have a position. Actually it’s the opposite, he can play on the wing(his handles are ELITE at his size, & he NBA has range on his jumper), and he can play in the post. Why do people keep saying he’s too slow or unathletic? He’s certainly not a below average athlete. He’s more atheltic than Carmelo, prime. PP, Kevin Love, Chandler Parsons,  MKG. Just a few names off the top of my head. It’s not like he’s Kyle Anderson. And I see him as a 24 ppg career player so I would say that is an elite scorer.

[LA12Participant]

 He’s more athletic than Michael Kidd Gilchrist? You’re joking right? You surely must be

[LA12Participant]

 He’s more athletic than Michael Kidd Gilchrist? You’re joking right? You surely must be

[Ghost01Participant]

 People severely overrate what one player, specifically a perimeter player does on defense. 

Jabari could play on great defensive teams and get hid all the time. 

[Ghost01Participant]

 People severely overrate what one player, specifically a perimeter player does on defense. 

Jabari could play on great defensive teams and get hid all the time. 

[OhCanada-Participant]

Nice scouting report for Harden.

"Harden maybe the worst (defensively) out of everyone he doesnt give a f".

I agree with the statement but maybe a bit more versatility with your words. Soumds like DMX giving NBA scouting reports.

[OhCanada-Participant]

Nice scouting report for Harden.

"Harden maybe the worst (defensively) out of everyone he doesnt give a f".

I agree with the statement but maybe a bit more versatility with your words. Soumds like DMX giving NBA scouting reports.

[MopgrassParticipant]

He’s dropped 15 pounds since last season to play SF. His coach in college asked him to gain weight to guard big guys. He was already guarding guys bigger than him, then add the fact he was asked to gain weight. He’ll be a lot more able to guard guys his size at a comfortable weight.

The other guy that I think gets questioned about defense too much is Julius Randle. No, he didn’t play defense that well in college and he’s slightly short for the position, but with the right coach, his intensity on offense could translate to intensity on defense.

[nill650Participant]

 Parkers lateral movement is average. He does have better athletic ability than the general consensus seems to believe, but its no where near good enough or fast enough to be a dominant perimiter defender.Wiggins is capable of being a dominant defender at the next level,as are gordon,and later on with grant and mcdaniels.

 Parkers impressive colligiate offensive game will not translate easily offensively as most expect imo without becoming a chucker .Trading baskets with the opposition is a waste of a possesion.

 

  I’d pass on parker and take an injured embiid or roll the dice on vonleh unless all you want is a poor mans carmelo with even less defensive upside.

That being said Parker is more nba ready offensively than any other prospect in this draft except maybe mcdermott,but since neither can defend the 3 and are relegated to defending slower or smaller players (good luck with that), they won’t earn much playing time this season unless they go to a team in complete rebuild mode. No way Cleveland should justify the aquisition of Parkers overated skillset over Wiggins immediate help defense and points off turnovers,not to mention his market value.

 Also, even though its a given that parkers over-achievements up too this point offensively seem like a guarantee as a decent transition to the next level,its no guarantee he can defend anyone at the nba level at the sf position that is a huge gamble to take at 1st overall if you are Cleveland,(after taking bennett who also has solid scoring ability in college and still needs alot of work on defense.)

 

 Parker is more ready than bennett was and since hes not coming off an injury,he can do more,but to me they are very similar levels of talent coming out of college. Both are undersized pf that offer much of the same skillset that resembles that of a 3..  Too much risk esp if the real bennett fails to come out of his colligiate shell with the departure of his biggest enemy to success in mike brown is gone and become the physical pressence he could become if he works hard enough and can get that asthma under control.

 

 I dont think Parker has Bennetts upside athletically either and so taking him and watching him struggle when you could have taken wiggins as well should be grounds for selling the team.

 

[nill650Participant]

 Parkers lateral movement is average. He does have better athletic ability than the general consensus seems to believe, but its no where near good enough or fast enough to be a dominant perimiter defender.Wiggins is capable of being a dominant defender at the next level,as are gordon,and later on with grant and mcdaniels.

 Parkers impressive colligiate offensive game will not translate easily offensively as most expect imo without becoming a chucker .Trading baskets with the opposition is a waste of a possesion.

 

  I’d pass on parker and take an injured embiid or roll the dice on vonleh unless all you want is a poor mans carmelo with even less defensive upside.

That being said Parker is more nba ready offensively than any other prospect in this draft except maybe mcdermott,but since neither can defend the 3 and are relegated to defending slower or smaller players (good luck with that), they won’t earn much playing time this season unless they go to a team in complete rebuild mode. No way Cleveland should justify the aquisition of Parkers overated skillset over Wiggins immediate help defense and points off turnovers,not to mention his market value.

 Also, even though its a given that parkers over-achievements up too this point offensively seem like a guarantee as a decent transition to the next level,its no guarantee he can defend anyone at the nba level at the sf position that is a huge gamble to take at 1st overall if you are Cleveland,(after taking bennett who also has solid scoring ability in college and still needs alot of work on defense.)

 

 Parker is more ready than bennett was and since hes not coming off an injury,he can do more,but to me they are very similar levels of talent coming out of college. Both are undersized pf that offer much of the same skillset that resembles that of a 3..  Too much risk esp if the real bennett fails to come out of his colligiate shell with the departure of his biggest enemy to success in mike brown is gone and become the physical pressence he could become if he works hard enough and can get that asthma under control.

 

 I dont think Parker has Bennetts upside athletically either and so taking him and watching him struggle when you could have taken wiggins as well should be grounds for selling the team.

 

[MopgrassParticipant]

He’s dropped 15 pounds since last season to play SF. His coach in college asked him to gain weight to guard big guys. He was already guarding guys bigger than him, then add the fact he was asked to gain weight. He’ll be a lot more able to guard guys his size at a comfortable weight.

The other guy that I think gets questioned about defense too much is Julius Randle. No, he didn’t play defense that well in college and he’s slightly short for the position, but with the right coach, his intensity on offense could translate to intensity on defense.

[Rip255]

I think Parker will be a top 5 offensive player in the league. I expect him to average 25ppg in a few years.

I think he’ll be average on defense but not a liability.

I’ll take the scorer and look for defensive minded players elsewhere. 

10x All Star.

[Rip255]

I think Parker will be a top 5 offensive player in the league. I expect him to average 25ppg in a few years.

I think he’ll be average on defense but not a liability.

I’ll take the scorer and look for defensive minded players elsewhere. 

10x All Star.

[TheLastWordParticipant]

Jabari’s low assist rate worries me more than his defense. He was just bigger and more athletic than most his defenders and could take them, he’ll have no such advantage in the NBA. We saw him crumble when he met his size and athletic match in Aaron Gordon early in the year. Duke had great shooters in Hood, Sulamon, and Dawkins, he should have came out with more than 1.2 assists a game.

[TheLastWordParticipant]

Jabari’s low assist rate worries me more than his defense. He was just bigger and more athletic than most his defenders and could take them, he’ll have no such advantage in the NBA. We saw him crumble when he met his size and athletic match in Aaron Gordon early in the year. Duke had great shooters in Hood, Sulamon, and Dawkins, he should have came out with more than 1.2 assists a game.

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 I don’t think Jabari will be an awful defender.  He was somewhat overweight while at Duke, which leads to slower foot speed and reaction time.  He’s got great length and he’s a decent athlete.  Cutting some weight, and working on defense with the organization that drafted him should make him at the very least an average defender.  It’s not like the guy is lazy or has a poor basketball IQ.  He’ll be fine defensively.

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 I don’t think Jabari will be an awful defender.  He was somewhat overweight while at Duke, which leads to slower foot speed and reaction time.  He’s got great length and he’s a decent athlete.  Cutting some weight, and working on defense with the organization that drafted him should make him at the very least an average defender.  It’s not like the guy is lazy or has a poor basketball IQ.  He’ll be fine defensively.

[tidhoParticipant]

Jabari is a top 3 lock.  Its not like anyone is suggesting that he fall out of the lottery because of his defense.

None of the top 3 are perfect and the only way to differentiate is to talk about relative strengths and weaknesses.

[tidhoParticipant]

Jabari is a top 3 lock.  Its not like anyone is suggesting that he fall out of the lottery because of his defense.

None of the top 3 are perfect and the only way to differentiate is to talk about relative strengths and weaknesses.

[nill650Participant]

 parkers defense is solid but the speed concern related to his lack of lateral quickness and lack of elite athleticism which causes many to knock him for it when comparing the upsides of wiggins and embiid comes up as a relevent issue if you want the prospect with superstar potential, he aint it.

Parker is far superior bb iq wise right now than both the forementioned,but its irrelevent.  Trading baskets doesnt get you the W.

  Parkers Defensive failures in college is the biggest issue for teams like cleveland and milw and posibly philly,esp now that he will be assigned to tougher opponents. if he can’t defend the perimeter it weakens his stock to the 4-6 range. I expect vonleh to leapfrof him and utah take him at 5.The only reason he’s labelled a pf is his inability to defend the sf position, which he is best suited playing offensively at the nba level.

Hes no carmelo either.

 

[nill650Participant]

 parkers defense is solid but the speed concern related to his lack of lateral quickness and lack of elite athleticism which causes many to knock him for it when comparing the upsides of wiggins and embiid comes up as a relevent issue if you want the prospect with superstar potential, he aint it.

Parker is far superior bb iq wise right now than both the forementioned,but its irrelevent.  Trading baskets doesnt get you the W.

  Parkers Defensive failures in college is the biggest issue for teams like cleveland and milw and posibly philly,esp now that he will be assigned to tougher opponents. if he can’t defend the perimeter it weakens his stock to the 4-6 range. I expect vonleh to leapfrof him and utah take him at 5.The only reason he’s labelled a pf is his inability to defend the sf position, which he is best suited playing offensively at the nba level.

Hes no carmelo either.

 

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