The NBA has had a fair share of exceptional talents, but oftentimes, careers can take unexpected turns. Players can go from being the embodiment of hope and being expected to be the franchise’s savior, to experiencing disappointment and being labeled as “busts.” One such player who exemplifies this rollercoaster journey is Jabari Parker. Once hailed as a rising star and the beacon of promise for the Milwaukee Bucks, Parker’s trajectory has taken a divergent path, leaving those who loved his game, “Where is Jabari Parker now?”. Let’s take a closer look at where the supposed “next LeBron James” is right now.
From future All-Star to being thrown out of the league
Duke standout, Jabari Parker, was set to become the next superstar when he came to the league. Getting picked second overall in 2014, the Milwaukee Bucks had high hopes for the young forward. Back then, he was getting comparisons to NBA stars like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony due to his versatility and size. Obviously, if you get that kind of comparison, then you’re headed on the right path. Unfortunately, that never happened.
Just 25 games into his rookie year, Parker suffered a torn ACL, marking an end to his season. He would eventually recover from his injury and come back strong in his sophomore year. But, lightning strikes twice after he tears his ACL again in his third year. In the 2016-2017 season, the then-21-year-old rising star was having his best statistical year putting up 20.1 points and 6.2 rebounds. Unfortunately, he would never get anywhere close to that again.
After suffering severe injuries, the Bucks decided that it wasn’t him that could turn the franchise around. Instead, they looked into the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo. That being said, Jabari would bounce around in the league and would eventually be out of the league. Parker hasn’t been able to play in the NBA since January 2022 when he played with the Boston Celtics.
Jabari Parker isn’t done in the NBA just yet
Obviously, Jabari Parker hasn’t given up his hopes of returning to the NBA. The 28-year-old athlete is seen still training and seems to be in good shape. Recently, he’s been getting calls for workouts for NBA teams such as the Phoenix Suns last month.
Phoenix Suns will host a free agent workout on Wednesday featuring notables Jabari Parker and Stanley Johnson, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/cp8f2sZvwq
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 26, 2023
Moreover, it was initially announced that Jabari Parker will be playing in the 2k24 Summer League for the team that drafted him – the Milwaukee Bucks. Unfortunately, he backed out at the last minute due to personal reasons.
Jabari Parker will play for the Bucks summer league team pic.twitter.com/xpgKVpT6Ob
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 30, 2023
There were rumors that Parker could take his talent overseas but nothing transpired
Earlier this year, it was reported that he was looking for opportunities abroad but his agent never got to close a deal. But, should he really be out of the NBA now? Parker is just 28 years old and he looks like he still has a lot to offer to an NBA team. Given enough playing time, Parker could give a solid 15 points and 6 rebounds as a role player. He has also improved his shot selection and has greatly matured since entering the league.
The question here is why is Jabari Parker not playing for any team when he can be of great help. Some may call him a bust or a disappointment, but I personally think he just had a bad start to his career, due to injuries of course. Hopefully, Parker revives his career and return to playing for the NBA rather than in overseas leagues or G-league teams.
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