NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 offseason targets for the Orlando Magic

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Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks

NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 7: Kyle O’Quinn #9 of the New York Knicks blocks the dunk of Jabari Parker #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks on April 7, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Jabari Parker

The Orlando Magic’s original rebuild plan seemed to call for the team to tank for that vaunted 2014 NBA Draft to get a shot at one of two players — Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker. That quickly grew to include Joel Embiid. Instead, the Magic ended up fourth and the team seemed to strike out on three surefire stars.

Parker and Wiggins have not quite lived up to their billing for various reasons, showing just what kind of folly targeting specific drafts can be. Still, they are both good. And with Parker preparing to hit restricted free agency, it might be time for someone to strike.

After all, it was Magic general manager John Hammond who drafted Parker originally with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Injuries have derailed Parker’s career more than anything else. Two ACL surgeries have sapped him of some of that athleticism and prevented him from getting a good rhythm in a NBA uniform. He has still put up impressive numbers — 12.6 points per game last year but 20.1 points per game in 2017 before he suffered another knee injury.

Parker probably as much as anyone needs some new scenery and a chance to be featured in the offense. There just does not seem to be enough room for him in Milwaukee with Giannis Antetokounmpo emerging at the same position.

Granted, Orlando currently does not have enough space for him either with both Aaron Gordon and a Giannis Antetokounmpo-look alike (if you squint) in Jonathan Isaac. Orlando might need the isolation scoring Parker can bring, but the team is not about to further clutter its frontcourt.

That might be why Parker is a target though. If the Magic find the price for Gordon too high in restricted free agency and they let him walk, Parker would likely be a cheaper and possibly more offensively effective replacement.

For a team that is currently built almost entirely on defense, Parker would instantly become the team’s best offensive option. When he is healthy, he has proven he can put those points up. For this young team, the Magic need someone who can take the pressure off some of their younger players. Parker could be an interesting stopgap who could turn into a long-term investment.

If the Magic let Gordon walk, Parker would be more than suitable as a replacement for what they seem to be building.

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