Duke star now ‘heading home’ after being picked up by the Bucks.
The Milwaukee Bucks have a centrepiece around which to build after the 2014 NBA draft after they selected Duke small forward Jabari Parker with the second overall pick.
Going into the draft Parker was seen as the “most complete” ball player in this year’s every exciting draft class, as he is able to play on both sides of the ball and has a high basketball IQ for his age.
Averaging close to 19 points and nine rebounds for Duke this past year and there will be high expectations he can do the same thing in the NBA.
After the Bucks suffered through a franchise-worst 67-loss season, the worst in the league, on paper they have the building blocks to rebuild with the cornerstone being Parker.
Go inside the Bucks’ war room and see the moment they decide to pick Parker.
Alongside him are Giannis Antetokounmpo and scoring guard Brandon Knight, with the Bucks’ decision being made much easier as to who to select when Cleveland took Andrew Wiggins with the first pick.
Parker is just one of three Collegiate freshman players in the past 15 years to average more than 19 points, eight rebounds and 35 per cent or more from beyond the arc, with Kevin Durant and Michael Beasley being the other two.
The 6’8″ forward has the ability to create his own shot off the dribble as well as back down in the low-post and create opportunities there, which is something the Bucks sorely need.
Defense, though, figures to be a work in progress but Parker has quick feet for a big man, and noted that Parker figures to benefit from having to guard centers at times at Duke.
See Parker chat to some NBA fans minutes after donning the Bucks’ cap.
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