Former top draft pick issues strong statement on NBA

Jabari Parker. Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Former No. 2 overall pick issues strong statement on the NBA

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 9/26/23

Jabari Parker was drafted with the second overall pick in 2014. The versatile power forward suffered multiple knee injuries. Parker was unable to live up to his lofty expectations after recovering. As such, the Duke alum became a journeyman in the NBA. Recently, Parker decided to head overseas, signing a deal with Barcelona.

During a recent interview with Alex Molina of EuroHoops.com, Parker explained why he left the NBA. The former Milwaukee Buck cited how the league was watered down by tanking rosters.

“I just want to be a part of something legitimate," Parker said. "I want to be a part of ‘every game matters’. Sadly, the NBA is a business and there are 10-12 teams that try to win every game and the other half try to get a draft pick...We are seeing the league getting watered down, unfortunately.”

Jabari Parker calls out the NBA, describing the league as "watered down," and outlines why he chose to leave for Barcelona

“I just want to be a part of something legitimate. I want to be a part of ‘every game matters’. Sadly, the NBA is a business and there are 10-12 teams… pic.twitter.com/IgAvBqCgZc
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 26, 2023

Parker didn't play in the NBA last season. His last stop in the league came with the Boston Celtics, where the 6-foot-8 forward played in 22 regular-season games over two years. By moving to Europe, Parker will be hoping to assume a bigger role within a team's rotation.

The European leagues also have a smaller schedule of games, with bigger rest periods between contests. For a player who has struggled with injuries throughout his career, the lighter workload could give him a platform to play at a higher level.

Parker isn't the only former Celtics player to head to Europe this summer, either. Kemba Walker will be suiting up for Monaco in the French league.

As European basketball continues to improve and grow in audience and skill, more and more NBA players will see it as a viable option. Especially if those players feel their NBA career has stagnated or ended.

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