NBA Rumors: Cleveland doesn’t care that Jabari Parker doesn’t want to play there

It’s not exactly a secret that Jabari Parker would prefer to be selected at No. 2 by the Milwaukee Bucks rather than at No. 1 by the Cleveland Cavaliers in tonight’s NBA Draft.

More from Cleveland Cavaliers

• NBA insider: Cavaliers should consider trading Donovan Mitchell
• Predicting NBA’s Christmas Day Schedule: Lakers, Warriors highlight slate of postseason rematches
• NBA Rumors: 3 teams that should trade for Joel Embiid
• NBA rumors: How Donovan Mitchell could wind up on the trading block
• The new NBA flopping rules explained

There was this week’s report from ESPN’s Chad Ford that suggested Jabari might have “tanked” his workout with the Cavs in order to better position himself to be picked by the Bucks. Parker also stated on Wednesday that he believes he’s going to Milwaukee.

From NBC Sports:

"“Yeah, I think so,” Parker said, when asked if he expected to be picked by the Bucks. “Because I had some comfort level with them, especially with them telling me that ‘we want you.’ I didn’t really get any answers from the Cavs, so I’m just going with what I’m certain with.”"

Well, Cleveland apparently is not worrying too much about Jabari’s terrible workout or his comfort in Milwaukee because the Cavs will still be happy to take him at No.1, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports.

Spears has Parker going to the Cavs in his latest mock draft and writes:

"Jabari Parker, Duke, SF, 6-8, 241, Fr. – The Cavs don’t care whether or not Parker wants to play in Cleveland. They’ll still take him."

It would certainly qualify as somewhat of a bold strategy for Cleveland to take someone that doesn’t want to be there, but if they believe Parker’s their guy, it’s hard to blame them.

Jabari averaged 19.1 points and 8.7 rebounds in his only season at Duke and is poised to be an outstanding player at the next level.

Draft Express ranks Parker as the third best prospect in tonight’s draft.