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2014 NBA Draft Grades: Milwaukee Bucks

By Mauricio Putz

Mar 3, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Mar 3, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the leading scorer in Milwaukee Bucks and NBA history, waves to fans during game against the Utah Jazz at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Mar 3, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the leading scorer in Milwaukee Bucks and NBA history, waves to fans during game against the Utah Jazz at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Jabari Parker (Duke) is interviewed after being selected as the number two overall pick to the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Jabari Parker (Duke) is interviewed after being selected as the number two overall pick to the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Jabari Parker (2)

Jabari’s a 6’8″ 241-pound small/power forward. He’s got a 7’0″ wingspan.

A lot was made about Joel Embiid‘s injury prior to the draft. The Cleveland Cavaliers wanted to trade down, the Bucks were always on Jabari. Several teams, like the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz called the Bucks about a trade for the second pick; they respectfully declined.

There was little to no hesitation by the Bucks camp on taking Parker. They looked at Dante Exum for a while but finally took Parker.

What should the Bucks expect from Parker.

1. He’s a starter. Right of the bat.

Take it with a grain of salt but, we’ve not seen this kind of raw talent in a draft class since 2003. Yep, the LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade draft class.

Besides, the Milwaukee Bucks have no sure thing at small forward (They’ve got Giannis Antetokounmpo, but they got him playing the 2).

2. Overwhelming offense.

  • 19.1 PPG on .503/.358/.748 shooting.
  • Great finisher who’s able to draw fouls by attacking strong and taking the charge.
  • He shoots right so naturally defenses will try and make him go left, he’ll burn you with his left side jumper. (Note: And viceversa).
  • Post-up game. 70.8% scoring from the block. He’s got Dirk-ness to his post-up fadeaway.
  • Awareness. He’s got a mean LeBron-like ‘drive-and-kick’ game. Jabari drives. Defense collapses on Jabari. Jabari finds the open guy.
  • Needs to work on his attack. Like LeBron’s Cleveland years (and every other forward that has come to the league), he wants to live in the perimeter shooting great-looking low % shots, such as threes, fadeaways, step-backs, etc.

3. Defense.

Not nearly as good as his offense but still pretty good.

  • Size makes him a rebounding menace since it’s very hard to box him out.
  • 8.7 RPG.
  • His huge wingspan’s the same as LeBron James’ and three inches smaller than the one on Kawhi Leonard.
  • On the slow side when it comes to lateral quickness so expect him to close out late on attackers and get called for fouls.
  • Lost at defending the pick-and-roll so he’s toast when he faces the Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers.
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