Did Jabari Parker's sub-par performance against Mercer on Friday affect his status as one of the top picks in next summer's NBA Draft?
Parker struggled big-time against the Bears defense, scoring 14 points on an inefficient four-of-14 shooting as the Blue Devils were stunned by the No. 14 seed Mercer. Still, some experts believe his performance won't affect his draft status come June 26.
Adi Joseph of USA Today is one of those who believe that the upset loss won't have an impact on Parker's draft status, as he wrote: "But Parker's draft stock, should he choose to leave early, won't be affected by this loss. He spent this season being the most productive freshman in the country and clearly stating his case as the polished option alongside higher-upside Kansas freshmen Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid."
While Parker was widely criticized for his defensive lapses throughout the game. He was also hounded by foul trouble. But Joseph underlines that anyone who has watched the Duke freshman play all season should remember that defense is not one of Parker's strongest suits. "He is not a good defender yet, and he may never be more than adequate. His value is on the offensive end, and one game shouldn't affect that."
His coach, Mike Krzyzweski, lamented their loss. "Jabari's had a great, great year.It's a frustrating way for him to end it today."
Two days earlier, he expressed confidence that Parker will become a star in the NBA. "Jabari's going to be an outstanding pro" even comparing him to New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony "He's in the process of development. To compare the two now, there is no comparison. But in three, four, five years, Jabari, I think, will be a franchise player. He'll be a-- he'll be one of those guys that scores -- he'll be a 25-point-a-game scorer, I think, in the NBA."
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