Fansided

NBA Draft 2014: Jabari Parker to decide on NBA future after current season

By Josh Hill

Jan 18, 2014; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jabari Parker (1) and forward Josh Hairston (15) and guard Rasheed Sulaimon (14) head to the bench for a timeout against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2014; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jabari Parker (1) and forward Josh Hairston (15) and guard Rasheed Sulaimon (14) head to the bench for a timeout against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Jan 18, 2014; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jabari Parker (1) and forward Josh Hairston (15) and guard Rasheed Sulaimon (14) head to the bench for a timeout against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2014; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jabari Parker (1) and forward Josh Hairston (15) and guard Rasheed Sulaimon (14) head to the bench for a timeout against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /

Last night, reports began to surface that cast doubt over the idea of Jabari Parker entering the NBA Draft this summer. This wasn’t a new concept as it had been speculated that the Duke star could elect to go on a Mormon mission trip rather than jump right into the NBA.

But after Sam Smith posted a column that stated NBA executives are having doubts that Parker will declare for the draft this summer, Parker’s father has come forth to try and clear the air. Sonny Parker spoke with Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv about his son’s future and said nothing will be discussed until after the season.

"“I don’t know,” Sonny told SNY.tv. “I haven’t talked to him about it yet. We [will] talk about it after the season. I don’t know who’s saying all that. I know that he hasn’t said that.”"

That’s not a definitive yes that Parker will be declaring but it’s not a no either. It’s clear that Parker is focused on school right now and the NBA is still a ways away for the Duke star.

Parker remains a top 5 prospect in the NBA Draft class this year and even if he declares but still goes on his mission trip next year, he seems to be a lock at the top of the draft regardless.

Home/NBA Draft