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LAS VEGAS — Jabari Parker was drafted second overall in the NBA draft last month by the Milwaukee Bucks. The former Duke forward had high expectations heading into the Las Vegas Summer League. Parker and the Bucks played five games last week in Las Vegas, including a game against the Jazz. Jazz fans were looking forward to see the much-hyped Parker make his first NBA appearance and how he would perform against the Jazz.
During his only year at Duke, Parker averaged 19.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, shot 36 percent from the three and averaged 2.3 turnovers. During the Bucks' five Summer League games he especially struggled with his 3-point percentage at 18 percent while he averaged five turnovers a game.
Parker was touted as the "most NBA ready player" in this year’s draft by many, including Duke Legend Grant Hill. However, following his average performance in Las Vegas it leaves many wondering if Hill is correct.
During the Bucks' Summer League games, Parker seemed to struggle with getting to the basket, resulting in settling with outside shots — which he struggled with. It is well-known that Parker isn’t the most explosive athlete, and it was apparent in Vegas as his opponents forced him to take off-balanced and low-percentage shots multiple times, which was unlike him while at Duke.
Jazz fans were pleasantly surprised with Parker’s former Duke teammate and now Jazzman Rodney Hood. Hood scored 29 points to go along with five assists against the Bucks while Parker chipped in 14 points for Milwaukee. His outstanding game resulted in a Jazz win, 87-71. Perhaps with Parker’s publicity and high expectations, Hood has developed a "chip on his shoulder" type attitude.
Although there is no question that Parker can contribute at this level, it will be interesting to see how effective he can be for the Bucks in the regular season compared to his average games last week. Hood, on the other hand, pleased Jazz fans with his solid showing in Vegas and hopefully will continue to deliver.
Milwaukee ended the Las Vegas Summer League with a 1-4 record. Utah had a 3-2 record in Las Vegas. Lindsey Peterson is a Brigham Young University student studying broadcast journalism and is currently interning at KSL. Contact her at lindspeterson4@gmail.com or on Twitter @LindsPetey.
