NBA: 10 impact rookies of 2014-15

Jabari Parker- SF/PF, Milwaukee Bucks

I mentioned Austin Rivers earlier, and unfortunately for Jabari Parker, I could see Parker having a Rivers-esque rookie season. There’s just something about Parker that makes me unsure of his potential in the NBA. Parker doesn’t seem physically strong or particularly quick laterally. Going against some of the most athletic players in the league at power forward, the second-deepest position in the league, could mess with Parker’s game. Yes, he’s a good shooter, but he could become one-dimensional if he’s not quick enough to get by his defenders to get to the rim.

Look, Parker isn’t going to be bad, like Rivers. There’s realtively no chance of that happening, but those problems with Parker’s game I just pointed out are also flaws with Rivers’ game. He’s not quick enough or strong to play how he played in college and his jump shot isn’t good enough to keep him on the court. That’s the way the NBA goes.

Fortunately for Parker, he’s going to play for the most desperate team in the league right now with brand-spanking-new ownership, and Parker will be their star. They won’t let him be a bust.

In summer league, Parker averaged 15.6 PPG but shot just 41 percent from the field and 18 percent from three-point range. If Parker is playing on the wing with the Bucks, that three-point percentage has to be higher. That’s a Michael Kidd-Gilchrist number right there. He’s got to stay away from the teens.

Parker’s going to see the court 30-34 minutes as a rookie. For that reason alone, he will be productive because that’s the kind of player he is. I just don’t know that he’ll be very efficient, and that could set up some bad habits for the future. Don’t believe me? See: Rudy Gay.