I admit that when I try to discern what lineups coach Ime Udoka will employ this season, I often forget Jabari Parker. He is definitely a wild card.
The injury-plagued forward (two ACL tears - same knee - early in his career) has never lived up to expectations as the second-overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft. But he is still only 26 years old and could experience a resurgence with the Celtics. After all, Nate "Tiny" Archibald did just that, coming to the Celtics in 1978 following recovery from an Achilles tear and helping them win a Title in 1981.
His career stats don't exactly bring Larry Bird to mind, averaging 14.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG and 2.0 APG over seven seasons. Although he can hit the occasional 3-pointer, he generally scores close to the basket. At 6'8" and 245 pounds, he could play the center spot sporadically.
My guess is that Udoka will take a close look at Parker and his health and physical shape coming into trai ing camp. Jabari is owed $2.3 million for the 2021-22 season, all of which is non-guaranteed. More than any other Celtics player, Parker is a true wild card. No one seems quite sure where he belongs - or if he does at all.
Comments
Post a Comment