On April 16th, the Boston Celtics inked 2014 No. 2 overall pick Jabari Parker to a two-year deal.
Jabari Parker — the former No. 2 overall pick — has agreed to a two-year deal with the Celtics, sources said. Parker, a career 14.8 points per game scorer, gives Boston some depth in frontcourt. https://t.co/MBe2PXC5Fu
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 16, 2021
The C’s took a chance on the injury-riddled forward, hoping he can return to his old self. Tied for fourth in the Eastern Conference and riding a six-game win streak, the red-hot Celtics have now added someone who can reestablish their frontcourt depth.
Jabari had averaged 20.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per contest with the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2016-17 season. Unfortunately, he never was the same player after tearing his ACL twice. He has made stops in Chicago, Washington, Atlanta and Sacramento in just three seasons before finding his latest home in Boston.
Despite his injury history, the 26-year-old is an excellent signing for the Celtics. He adds another wing player with legitimate scoring ability to Brad Stevens’ rotation while opening looks for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Likewise, he can slide into the lineup to add a different dynamic to the team. With Semi Ojeleye and Grant Williams as the only true forwards behind Tatum, this signing filled one of the team’s biggest needs.
Brad Stevens said the Celtics went to Jabari Parker because they needed his scoring: “Pretty good for his first night.”
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) April 18, 2021
SCORING
His play style is congruent with how Boston operates. A career 32.3% shooter from beyond the arc, Parker is not going to rely heavily on three-pointers, but his interior presence will add a tougher dynamic to a team that ranks 10th in three-point percentage. Despite that difference, Boston won’t need to rely on Parker to score consistently.
In his first game as a Celtic, Jabari contributed 11 points in 16 minutes. While this is a small sample size, it’s an immediate upgrade to one of the more inconsistent parts of Boston’s bench.
Jabari Parker had 8 points total all year with the Kings.
Dropped 11 points in 15 minutes w/ no practices with the Celtics. All about opportunity pic.twitter.com/Xf87pBjRaz
— Zion O | #SI6HTS (@DukeNBA) April 18, 2021
REBOUNDING/ATHLETICISM
Another important facet of Jabari’s game is his rebounding presence. His persistence on the glass will be vital towards the team’s success, especially now with the departure of Daniel Theis. Boston ranks 15th in total rebounds per game– something Jabari’s tenacity can very well be the difference-maker in games, even if he is not scoring.
Jabari’s athleticism must not be ignored either. He is capable of stretching the floor while using his length on the defensive side. Outside of some lapses, Jabari is more than capable of being a serviceable defender– something that can only improve in Boston’s gritty nature.
Jabari Parker’s role with the Celtics will be to produce a spark off the bench and pitch in where needed. The two-year deal makes it low-risk, but an extension isn’t out of the question if warranted.
Regardless, fans should be happy Danny Ainge executed a low-risk, high-reward move that could inch Boston closer to another Larry O’Brien.
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