Milwaukee Bucks select Jabari Parker second overall

The Milwaukee Bucks got a match made in heaven for their roster in Jabari Parker, a pure scorer that will probably lead their team in scoring next season.

Parker is lucky to step into a situation where there is ample length and defensive skill in order to limit the problems he has on that end. Placing Parker next to Giannis Antetokounmpo, Larry Sanders, and John Henson will provide the Bucks with a really solid mix of offensive skill and defensive skill. Particularly with the versatile, now 6’11 Antetokounmpo, Parker will be able to immediately guard the easier front court defensive matchup.

And allowing Parker to come along slowly on the defensive end will help him to flourish on the offensive end, where he is going to be able to step in immediately and be a force. There isn’t much that Parker can’t do on that end. He shoots well off the dribble, is excellent in the catch-and-shoot situation, and attacks the rim with authority. Parker is the prototypical inside-out offensive player, with both the ability to get by defenders with his strength and size as well as turn post players inside out with his footwork.

There’s a question as to whether or not he’s small forward or power forward, but with Milwaukee and Antetokounmpo that doesn’t really matter. Defensively, the pair will be amorphous depending on who is on the floor. Parker is probably going to be better defending the post given his size, lateral quickness, and strength, but Antetokounmpo should be able to take tougher match-ups if necessary. Offensively they should play well off of each other, as Giannis is an excellent passer and Parker can score in every situation you present him with.

Parker is an elite offensive player that compares favorably both statistically and aesthetically to Carmelo Anthony. If the Bucks are getting that, they can’t at all complain, given that Anthony is a future Hall-of-Famer. I wouldn’t go out on a limb and predict that for Parker, but he should be a pretty excellent offensive player for a long time.