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NBA Rookie Role Models: Is Jabari Parker the next Paul Pierce?

By HP Basketball Network

Feb 18, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jabari Parker (1) shoots a basket over Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets forward Robert Carter, Jr. (4) in the first half at Hank McCamish Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jabari Parker (1) shoots a basket over Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets forward Robert Carter, Jr. (4) in the first half at Hank McCamish Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 8, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Zach LaVine (14) shoots the ball against the Drexel Dragons at Pauley Pavilion. UCLA defeated Drexel 72-67. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Zach LaVine (14) shoots the ball against the Drexel Dragons at Pauley Pavilion. UCLA defeated Drexel 72-67. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Zach LaVine, this could be you: 2014 Gerald Green

By Derek James (@DerekJamesNBA)

If we’ve learned anything from NBA history, it’s that it’s not always enough to be a freak athlete. You still have to have ability and a feel for the game. Sadly, we’ve seen many times incoming rookies learn that they can no longer rely on their athleticism alone and need to really hone their skills. This is why Minnesota Timberwolves rookie, Zach LaVine, should model his game after 2013-’14 Gerald Green.

Green is a world class freak athlete– always has been. However, Green has spent much of his career bouncing around and in-and-out of the NBA. Until last season when he put up 15.8 points, 3.4 points and 1.5 assists per game on an efficient 44.5 field goal and 40 percent three point percentage.

Then there’s LaVine. The guard posted 9.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game at UCLA last season. He even shot 44.1 from the field and 37.5 percent from three, making Green a good figure for LaVine to aspire to when combined with their elevated athletic abilities.

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