Jabari Parker Will Jump-Start His Career in Chicago

Free agency signings are slowing down, but that does not mean they have stopped. In fact, the Chicago Bulls made a move that will "fly under the radar",but could benefit them tremendously. The Bulls signed Jabari Parker to a two-year, $40 million deal.

In 2014, the Milwaukee Bucks drafted Jabari Parker. He was the second pick of that year's draft. Andrew Wiggins, who was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers, was the first pick. But, he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Kevin Love.

Parker attended Duke University prior to being drafted. He averaged 19.1 points and 8.7 rebounds in his first and only year at Duke. Parker was a high school phenom who continued to make a name for himself in college.

I remember hearing Parker's name during the draft lottery and later the draft. His name was among players such as Kansas teammates Joel Embiid and Andrew Wiggins, Aaron Gordon (of the Orlando Magic), and Marcus Smart. In mock drafts, Parker received comparisons to Carmelo Anthony, which is a huge comparison to live up to.

In his rookie year, Parker averaged 12.3 points,5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. However, his season was cut short. Parker played 25 games in his rookie season. He suffered a season-ending ACL injury in December of that year.

Parker returned in his second year and played 76 games. His injury from the previous season cut into the beginning of his season, but he stayed healthy for the remainder. He averaged 14.1 points and 5.2 rebounds.

In the following season, Parker averaged a career high 20.1 points,6.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. In fact, his averages in rebounds and assists were career highs as well. He played 51 games before he suffered another injury. He suffered another ACL injury in February of that season. It was his second tear in his left knee, the first being from his rookie season. Parker was on track for a great season, but his injury hindered him from finishing.

In the 2017-2018 season, Parker made his debut on February 2nd. He averaged 12.6 points in 31 games. After the season ended, the Bucks made him a qualifying offer. A qualifying offer gives a team the right to match any offer sheets their restricted free agent receives from other teams. For example, the Sacramento Kings offered Zach LaVine a four-year, $78 million deal. The Bulls had the opportunity to match that deal, and keep LaVine. LaVine has to choose between the Bulls and Kings and he choose the Bulls. The Bucks offered their qualifying offer to Jabari Parker, but they later rescinded it. Now, Parker is officially a Chicago Bull.

The Bulls could be just what Jabari Parker needs. Parker is a Chicago native, which means he'll be playing for his hometown team. Parker is also only 23 years old. His injuries are an issue, but he still has time to bounce back from them.

The Bulls finished the 2017-2018 season with a 27-55 record. They had the 7th pick of the 2018 draft. They drafted Wendell Carter out of Duke University. Jabari Parker will be paired with another Duke alum.

The Bulls are a young team going through the inevitable rebuild. Every team, no matter who they are, have went through a rebuilding phase at least point in their franchise history. The Bulls are trying to find their core with young players such as Wendell Carter, Zach LaVine, and Jabari Parker. So far, they're off to a good start.

Jabari Parker could easily become the focal point of the Bulls. The key is that he stays healthy. If he stays healthy he could be a valuable piece/addition to the Bulls. Ever since his period of injuries and the arrival of Giannis Antetokoumpo in Milwaukee, Parker fell out of the spotlight. Now, the attention is on him. This and the fact he is in his hometown will motivate him in ways unimaginable. If I had to make a bold predication, the 2018-2019 season will be Jabari Parker's coming out party. If it happens, you heard it hear first!