NBA Draft Rumors 2014: Jabari Parker could slide to Orlando Magic

Mar 16, 2014; Greensboro, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jabari Parker (1) moves the ball up the court against Virginia Cavaliers forward Akil Mitchell (25) in the championship game of the ACC college basketball tournament at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Former Duke Blue Devils’ forward Jabari Parker is viewed by some as the top overall prospect in the 2014 NBA Draft. In fact, according to his peers that attended the NBA Scouting Combine, Parker is the best prospect in the draft. However, because of his viewed lack of upside (many don’t believe he has the potential to grow like the other top prospects), he isn’t projected by most to go in the top two.

According to Chad Ford of ESPN.com, Parker could be the top overall pick in the draft, but he also could slip past both the Cavaliers and the Milwaukee Bucks, who have the second-overall pick. Then, if the 76ers, who have the third-overall pick, opt for Australian point guard Dante Exum, the Orlando Magic would likely be the destination for Parker.

"Nevertheless, Parker’s perceived lack of upside, along with his questionable defensive abilities, has raised questions in Cleveland and Milwaukee. It’s conceivable that he could slide to the Sixers or Orlando Magic on draft night……Nevertheless, Parker’s perceived lack of upside, along with his questionable defensive abilities, has raised questions in Cleveland and Milwaukee. It’s conceivable that he could slide to the Sixers or Orlando Magic on draft night."

If the Cavaliers go with either former Kansas Jayhawks’ forward Andrew Wiggins or his former collegiate teammate, center Joel Embiid, like they reportedly are expected to do, that could start Parker’s slide.

Parker easily had the best season of the top three prospects. He put up 19.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals per game for the Blue Devils.

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