Jabari Parker will be the best player in the 2014 Draft

[Joseph17]

This guy is the real deal. I can't believe people are complaining about his athleticism. He's quicker and more mobile than 95% of nba power forwards. People just look at leaping ability when they talk about athleticism, but it's so much more than that. I'd definitely take him as the number 1 pick. There's no way he's going to be a bust in the NBA.

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[Joseph17]

Was thinking about the guys at the top of the draft a bit. My only concern for Parker is his defense. Guarding 3/4s might be problematic for him. This might be a crazy idea but does anyone think he can run the point. I dont think there is a more skilled guy his size outside of Lebron. Putting him at the 1 could mask those defensive inefficiencies pssibly and what ever team he was on would be able to cause alot of matchup problems depending on how the lineup is set. So my question is could anyone see him running the point a la Lebron James.

He's a 4 imo and he really shouldn't have trouble guarding other 4s. He's 6'8.5 in shoes which is basically 6'9 in the NBA. He looks like he's about the same size as David West. He's obviously not as strong as West but he's only 18 years old.
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[LloydFree]

The more I look at Jabari Parker, the more he reminds me of Glen (Big Dog) Robinson at Purdue. He'll score 25 ppg one day, but I'm not sure he will be a superstar or All-NBA type.

[mattg]

The more I look at Jabari Parker, the more he reminds me of Glen (Big Dog) Robinson at Purdue. He'll score 25 ppg one day, but I'm not sure he will be a superstar or All-NBA type.

Parker is a much better passer with a better feel for the game. He's also got a better handle and jumper. Additionally, big dog was a lazy stoner who never cared about basketball. There are some similarities, but Parker is more talented and doesn't have the attitude issues that held big dog back.

[LloydFree]

The more I look at Jabari Parker, the more he reminds me of Glen (Big Dog) Robinson at Purdue. He'll score 25 ppg one day, but I'm not sure he will be a superstar or All-NBA type.

Parker is a much better passer with a better feel for the game. He's also got a better handle and jumper. Additionally, big dog was a lazy stoner who never cared about basketball. There are some similarities, but Parker is more talented and doesn't have the attitude issues that held big dog back.

Parker is probably a better passer than Big Dog, but he is no better shooter than Glen Robinson. As for the attitude and other intangibles, I'll leave that for you to judge. I don't recall anyone believing Glen Robinson had attitude problems and laziness issues at Purdue. In fact, Glen Robinson was looked at as the ultimate Alpha male with a great attitude.

Skill level and athletically, Parker is very similar to Glen Robinson in College. I don't think I pass on a center (Embiid), who has the potential to be the best in the league, or a Forward(Wiggins) who compares to Scottie Pippen/Paul George, for a Glen Robinson type player.

[sikma42]

The more I look at Jabari Parker, the more he reminds me of Glen (Big Dog) Robinson at Purdue. He'll score 25 ppg one day, but I'm not sure he will be a superstar or All-NBA type.

Parker is a much better passer with a better feel for the game. He's also got a better handle and jumper. Additionally, big dog was a lazy stoner who never cared about basketball. There are some similarities, but Parker is more talented and doesn't have the attitude issues that held big dog back.

Parker is probably a better passer than Big Dog, but he is no better shooter than Glen Robinson. As for the attitude and other intangibles, I'll leave that for you to judge. I don't recall anyone believing Glen Robinson had attitude problems and laziness issues at Purdue. In fact, Glen Robinson was looked at as the ultimate Alpha male with a great attitude.

Skill level and athletically, Parker is very similar to Glen Robinson in College. I don't think I pass on a center (Embiid), who has the potential to be the best in the league, or a Forward(Wiggins) who compares to Scottie Pippen/Paul George, for a Glen Robinson type player.

I don't see a Glenn Robinson type player because of the height difference and IMO Parker is more athletic. Parker is almost 6"9. I'm also convinced he may be an all star from year 1 or 2.

[Ruzious]

Was thinking about the guys at the top of the draft a bit. My only concern for Parker is his defense. Guarding 3/4s might be problematic for him. This might be a crazy idea but does anyone think he can run the point. I dont think there is a more skilled guy his size outside of Lebron. Putting him at the 1 could mask those defensive inefficiencies pssibly and what ever team he was on would be able to cause alot of matchup problems depending on how the lineup is set. So my question is could anyone see him running the point a la Lebron James.

He's a 4 imo and he really shouldn't have trouble guarding other 4s. He's 6'8.5 in shoes which is basically 6'9 in the NBA. He looks like he's about the same size as David West. He's obviously not as strong as West but he's only 18 years old.
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David West might be about the same height, but he's much longer than Parker - it's not even close.

Parker can play the 4 adequately, but why play him there when he can be a great 3? SF is his best position by far, imo.

[mattg]

The more I look at Jabari Parker, the more he reminds me of Glen (Big Dog) Robinson at Purdue. He'll score 25 ppg one day, but I'm not sure he will be a superstar or All-NBA type.

Parker is a much better passer with a better feel for the game. He's also got a better handle and jumper. Additionally, big dog was a lazy stoner who never cared about basketball. There are some similarities, but Parker is more talented and doesn't have the attitude issues that held big dog back.

Parker is probably a better passer than Big Dog, but he is no better shooter than Glen Robinson. As for the attitude and other intangibles, I'll leave that for you to judge. I don't recall anyone believing Glen Robinson had attitude problems and laziness issues at Purdue. In fact, Glen Robinson was looked at as the ultimate Alpha male with a great attitude.

Skill level and athletically, Parker is very similar to Glen Robinson in College. I don't think I pass on a center (Embiid), who has the potential to be the best in the league, or a Forward(Wiggins) who compares to Scottie Pippen/Paul George, for a Glen Robinson type player.

Bucks fan here...I've probably seen far more big dog than you, just saying. Parker is that much better than big dog. His shot is definitely better, big dog lacked the range that Parker has. And skill wise Parker is better at literally everything, what is Robinson better at? So I mean I guess a rich mans big dog with a way better attitude?

[machu46]

Was thinking about the guys at the top of the draft a bit. My only concern for Parker is his defense. Guarding 3/4s might be problematic for him. This might be a crazy idea but does anyone think he can run the point. I dont think there is a more skilled guy his size outside of Lebron. Putting him at the 1 could mask those defensive inefficiencies pssibly and what ever team he was on would be able to cause alot of matchup problems depending on how the lineup is set. So my question is could anyone see him running the point a la Lebron James.

He's a 4 imo and he really shouldn't have trouble guarding other 4s. He's 6'8.5 in shoes which is basically 6'9 in the NBA. He looks like he's about the same size as David West. He's obviously not as strong as West but he's only 18 years old.
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David West might be about the same height, but he's much longer than Parker - it's not even close.

Parker can play the 4 adequately, but why play him there when he can be a great 3? SF is his best position by far, imo.

West is definitely longer than Parker, but I still think Parker projects better as a PF than he does a SF. I don't think Parker will be able to defend SFs effectively enough to make him a great SF, whereas I think he's capable of defending most PFs, and will have a much easier time scoring on PFs. Not to mention it would hypothetically create much better floor spacing for whatever team drafts him if he's playing PF and can take that PF out to the perimeter. I think he's pretty much a stud of a prospect if he's going to play PF, but I think Wiggins is the better SF prospect, even after seeing how they've played so far this year.

[LloydFree]

Parker is a much better passer with a better feel for the game. He's also got a better handle and jumper. Additionally, big dog was a lazy stoner who never cared about basketball. There are some similarities, but Parker is more talented and doesn't have the attitude issues that held big dog back.

Parker is probably a better passer than Big Dog, but he is no better shooter than Glen Robinson. As for the attitude and other intangibles, I'll leave that for you to judge. I don't recall anyone believing Glen Robinson had attitude problems and laziness issues at Purdue. In fact, Glen Robinson was looked at as the ultimate Alpha male with a great attitude.

Skill level and athletically, Parker is very similar to Glen Robinson in College. I don't think I pass on a center (Embiid), who has the potential to be the best in the league, or a Forward(Wiggins) who compares to Scottie Pippen/Paul George, for a Glen Robinson type player.

Bucks fan here...I've probably seen far more big dog than you, just saying. Parker is that much better than big dog. His shot is definitely better, big dog lacked the range that Parker has. And skill wise Parker is better at literally everything, what is Robinson better at? So I mean I guess a rich mans big dog with a way better attitude?

Not to be disrespectful or anything, but you being a Bucks fan is meaningless. I saw as much Glen Robinson at Purdue as you possibly could have. Parker moves and plays like Glen Robinson did in college. Parker labors when he moves. Physical limitations make players' skills transfer differently to the pros.





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[Joseph17]

He's a 4 imo and he really shouldn't have trouble guarding other 4s. He's 6'8.5 in shoes which is basically 6'9 in the NBA. He looks like he's about the same size as David West. He's obviously not as strong as West but he's only 18 years old.
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David West might be about the same height, but he's much longer than Parker - it's not even close.

Parker can play the 4 adequately, but why play him there when he can be a great 3? SF is his best position by far, imo.

West is definitely longer than Parker, but I still think Parker projects better as a PF than he does a SF. I don't think Parker will be able to defend SFs effectively enough to make him a great SF, whereas I think he's capable of defending most PFs, and will have a much easier time scoring on PFs. Not to mention it would hypothetically create much better floor spacing for whatever team drafts him if he's playing PF and can take that PF out to the perimeter. I think he's pretty much a stud of a prospect if he's going to play PF, but I think Wiggins is the better SF prospect, even after seeing how they've played so far this year.

I completely agree. It would be an absolute nightmare for power forwards to try to defend him. You can say he's undersized at the pf position, but if Al Harrington was capable of playing center when he was on G-State Parker is more than capable of playing pf.

[Purch]

I see Parker playing the combo forward role like Melo currently does on the knicks. However, just like when Lebron and Melo played for in reality that always were 3's. It really depends what kind of team he has around him

[Ruzious]

Parker is probably a better passer than Big Dog, but he is no better shooter than Glen Robinson. As for the attitude and other intangibles, I'll leave that for you to judge. I don't recall anyone believing Glen Robinson had attitude problems and laziness issues at Purdue. In fact, Glen Robinson was looked at as the ultimate Alpha male with a great attitude.

Skill level and athletically, Parker is very similar to Glen Robinson in College. I don't think I pass on a center (Embiid), who has the potential to be the best in the league, or a Forward(Wiggins) who compares to Scottie Pippen/Paul George, for a Glen Robinson type player.

Bucks fan here...I've probably seen far more big dog than you, just saying. Parker is that much better than big dog. His shot is definitely better, big dog lacked the range that Parker has. And skill wise Parker is better at literally everything, what is Robinson better at? So I mean I guess a rich mans big dog with a way better attitude?

Not to be disrespectful or anything, but you being a Bucks fan is meaningless. I saw as much Glen Robinson at Purdue as you possibly could have. Parker moves and plays like Glen Robinson did in college. Parker labors when he moves. Physical limitations make players' skills transfer differently to the pros.

I don't mean to 1 up anyone, but I'm a Bucks fan who also remembers Big Dog at Purdue, and he was a PF there - playing a very different style than he developed in the NBA. Parker and Robinson's sizes and lengths and physical abilities are actually pretty similar at the same stage. Robinson was a legitimately great college player. And in the NBA, he had an absolute classic playoff series matchup against young superstar Tracy McGrady. Dog gave it everything he had - as did McGrady. Unfortunately, McGrady's side won - with a little help from Darrell Armstrong. I felt like after that disappointment, Robinson slacked off a bit in his career and didn't give 100% - leaving his legacy less than it probably could and should have been.

[Ruzious]

David West might be about the same height, but he's much longer than Parker - it's not even close.

Parker can play the 4 adequately, but why play him there when he can be a great 3? SF is his best position by far, imo.

West is definitely longer than Parker, but I still think Parker projects better as a PF than he does a SF. I don't think Parker will be able to defend SFs effectively enough to make him a great SF, whereas I think he's capable of defending most PFs, and will have a much easier time scoring on PFs. Not to mention it would hypothetically create much better floor spacing for whatever team drafts him if he's playing PF and can take that PF out to the perimeter. I think he's pretty much a stud of a prospect if he's going to play PF, but I think Wiggins is the better SF prospect, even after seeing how they've played so far this year.

I completely agree. It would be an absolute nightmare for power forwards to try to defend him. You can say he's undersized at the pf position, but if Al Harrington was capable of playing center when he was on G-State Parker is more than capable of playing pf.

I think it's much easier to get by with a bad defensive 3 than a bad defensive 4. Especially with 4's and 5's being interchangable on many teams, you need a 4 to be able to switch and cover inside. As long as your 4 and 5 are good defensively, a 3 just has to play team defense and steer his man in the right direction. Also, his length issue isn't the problem at 3 that it is at 4.

[Joseph17]

West is definitely longer than Parker, but I still think Parker projects better as a PF than he does a SF. I don't think Parker will be able to defend SFs effectively enough to make him a great SF, whereas I think he's capable of defending most PFs, and will have a much easier time scoring on PFs. Not to mention it would hypothetically create much better floor spacing for whatever team drafts him if he's playing PF and can take that PF out to the perimeter. I think he's pretty much a stud of a prospect if he's going to play PF, but I think Wiggins is the better SF prospect, even after seeing how they've played so far this year.

I completely agree. It would be an absolute nightmare for power forwards to try to defend him. You can say he's undersized at the pf position, but if Al Harrington was capable of playing center when he was on G-State Parker is more than capable of playing pf.

I think it's much easier to get by with a bad defensive 3 than a bad defensive 4. Especially with 4's and 5's being interchangable on many teams, you need a 4 to be able to switch and cover inside. As long as your 4 and 5 are good defensively, a 3 just has to play team defense and steer his man in the right direction. Also, his length issue isn't the problem at 3 that it is at 4.

What do you mean by length issue? He has a 7 foot wingspan which is pretty much average for a guy that's 6'9. Kevin Love's wingspan is less than his and he doesn't have a problem at the pf position. I know that Love is taller than him by like an inch, but I think it's safe to say that he's about the same size as Kevin Love. He's also more athletic than Kevin Love so he really shouldn't have a problem playing pf.
Go to 6:30 in this video:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZUjYyXsR_I[/youtube]
I know that he missed those dunks, but the fact that he even attempted those dunks tells me that he probably made them in practice. That dunk contest was also after a game so fatigue was an issue. He's really underrated from an athletic standpoint. People seem to compare his athleticism to Paul Pierce's athleticism, but he's far more athletic than Pierce imo.
1:35 in this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNUsoxjaecA

[Dr Positivity]

I don't mean to 1 up anyone, but I'm a Bucks fan who also remembers Big Dog at Purdue, and he was a PF there - playing a very different style than he developed in the NBA. Parker and Robinson's sizes and lengths and physical abilities are actually pretty similar at the same stage. Robinson was a legitimately great college player. And in the NBA, he had an absolute classic playoff series matchup against young superstar Tracy McGrady. Dog gave it everything he had - as did McGrady. Unfortunately, McGrady's side won - with a little help from Darrell Armstrong. I felt like after that disappointment, Robinson slacked off a bit in his career and didn't give 100% - leaving his legacy less than it probably could and should have been.

What is it like living in the dark alternate timeline where Tmac led a playoff series win? Is Lebron playing in New York instead of Miami?

[Ruzious]

I completely agree. It would be an absolute nightmare for power forwards to try to defend him. You can say he's undersized at the pf position, but if Al Harrington was capable of playing center when he was on G-State Parker is more than capable of playing pf.

I think it's much easier to get by with a bad defensive 3 than a bad defensive 4. Especially with 4's and 5's being interchangable on many teams, you need a 4 to be able to switch and cover inside. As long as your 4 and 5 are good defensively, a 3 just has to play team defense and steer his man in the right direction. Also, his length issue isn't the problem at 3 that it is at 4.

What do you mean by length issue? He has a 7 foot wingspan which is pretty much average for a guy that's 6'9. Kevin Love's wingspan is less than his and he doesn't have a problem at the pf position. I know that Love is taller than him by like an inch, but I think it's safe to say that he's about the same size as Kevin Love. He's also more athletic than Kevin Love so he really shouldn't have a problem playing pf.
Go to 6:30 in this video:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZUjYyXsR_I[/youtube]
I know that he missed those dunks, but the fact that he even attempted those dunks tells me that he probably made them in practice. That dunk contest was also after a game so fatigue was an issue. He's really underrated from an athletic standpoint. People seem to compare his athleticism to Paul Pierce's athleticism, but he's far more athletic than Pierce imo.
1:35 in this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNUsoxjaecA

When I talk about length for a PF, I'm talking about standing reach - not wingspan. Parker's got an 8'8 standing reach (edit). West has a 9'0.5. Love has 8'10. 8'8 is pushing the lower limit to play the 4. At the 3, wingspan becomes more significant - since you're playing passing lanes a lot more. At the 4, you're more concerned about people shooting over you. I agree that Parker is more athletic than given credit for - which is another reason he'd be fine at the 3. I think he has what it takes to be a great 3.

[LloydFree]

I completely agree. It would be an absolute nightmare for power forwards to try to defend him. You can say he's undersized at the pf position, but if Al Harrington was capable of playing center when he was on G-State Parker is more than capable of playing pf.

I think it's much easier to get by with a bad defensive 3 than a bad defensive 4. Especially with 4's and 5's being interchangable on many teams, you need a 4 to be able to switch and cover inside. As long as your 4 and 5 are good defensively, a 3 just has to play team defense and steer his man in the right direction. Also, his length issue isn't the problem at 3 that it is at 4.

What do you mean by length issue? He has a 7 foot wingspan which is pretty much average for a guy that's 6'9. Kevin Love's wingspan is less than his and he doesn't have a problem at the pf position. I know that Love is taller than him by like an inch, but I think it's safe to say that he's about the same size as Kevin Love. He's also more athletic than Kevin Love so he really shouldn't have a problem playing pf.

Kevin Love shouldn't be used as proof that Parker can defend at the PF spot. Love isn't a good defender.

[Ayt]

I think it's much easier to get by with a bad defensive 3 than a bad defensive 4. Especially with 4's and 5's being interchangable on many teams, you need a 4 to be able to switch and cover inside. As long as your 4 and 5 are good defensively, a 3 just has to play team defense and steer his man in the right direction. Also, his length issue isn't the problem at 3 that it is at 4.

What do you mean by length issue? He has a 7 foot wingspan which is pretty much average for a guy that's 6'9. Kevin Love's wingspan is less than his and he doesn't have a problem at the pf position. I know that Love is taller than him by like an inch, but I think it's safe to say that he's about the same size as Kevin Love. He's also more athletic than Kevin Love so he really shouldn't have a problem playing pf.
Go to 6:30 in this video:

I know that he missed those dunks, but the fact that he even attempted those dunks tells me that he probably made them in practice. That dunk contest was also after a game so fatigue was an issue. He's really underrated from an athletic standpoint. People seem to compare his athleticism to Paul Pierce's athleticism, but he's far more athletic than Pierce imo.
1:35 in this video.

When I talk about length for a PF, I'm talking about standing reach - not wingspan. Parker's got an 8'8 wingspan. West has a 9'0.5. Love has 8'10. 8'8 is pushing the lower limit to play the 4. At the 3, wingspan becomes more significant - since you're playing passing lanes a lot more. At the 4, you're more concerned about people shooting over you. I agree that Parker is more athletic than given credit for - which is another reason he'd be fine at the 3. I think he has what it takes to be a great 3.

I'd wait on the standing reach measurements until the combine.

[MrBigShot]

I don't mean to 1 up anyone, but I'm a Bucks fan who also remembers Big Dog at Purdue, and he was a PF there - playing a very different style than he developed in the NBA. Parker and Robinson's sizes and lengths and physical abilities are actually pretty similar at the same stage. Robinson was a legitimately great college player. And in the NBA, he had an absolute classic playoff series matchup against young superstar Tracy McGrady. Dog gave it everything he had - as did McGrady. Unfortunately, McGrady's side won - with a little help from Darrell Armstrong. I felt like after that disappointment, Robinson slacked off a bit in his career and didn't give 100% - leaving his legacy less than it probably could and should have been.

What is it like living in the dark alternate timeline where Tmac led a playoff series win? Is Lebron playing in New York instead of Miami?

Yeah...what's up with that? Surprised this post didn't have more and1s.