Jabari Parker Makes the Atlanta Hawks Offense More Dynamic

Jabari Parker’s Role With the Atlanta Hawks

Having versatility on the offensive end, Jabari Parker is capable of playing in the wing or post. However with his defensive limitations, he will be relegated to defending the power forward position.

Jabari Parker should provide offensive punch for the Atlanta Hawks second unit. He should see many of the minutes left at power forward behind John Collins. He is also likely to see minutes on the court with John Collins, particularly if Collins continues his improved shot blocking of last season second half.

Atlanta Hawks projected second unit:

PG: Evan Turner or DeAndre’ Bembry

SG: DeAndre’ Bembry or Allan Crabbe

SF: Cam Reddish

PF: Jabari Parker

C: Bruno Fernando or Damian Jones

This second unit for the Atlanta Hawks is an interesting one, should all five men find themselves on the floor, they have several players who can handle the basketball. If Allan Crabbe is the choice at shooting guard, there should be plenty of shooting on the floor.

Should Bruno Fernando win the backup spot, he sho provide floor spacing from the center spot, along with rim protection and rebounding. The length and athletic ability of the other four men, should be enough to mask the defensive shortcomings of Jabari Parker.

Yet Jabari Parker and Trae Young probably won’t be on the floor together often, with both being very poor defenders at this point. They will be immediately attacked in the pick and roll together, if they are dispatched in the same lineup.

The best thing about the Atlanta Hawks signing Jabari Parker, is the fact that he gives Atlanta another player who can create a bucket against tough defenses. This is particularly advantageous when the shot clock is running down.

Jabari Parker will never be a great defender, but the challenge for Lloyd Pierce will be to get him to at least give maximum effort on the defensive end. Parker has taken fire in the past for his comments about players not being paid to play defense.

Staying healthy will also be key for the resurgence of Jabari Parker. Trainer Chelsea Lane will play a big role in that aspect. Parker himself sited the Atlanta Hawks training and player development staffs, as a reason for signing with Atlanta. Chris Vivlamore of covers the story of Parker’s signing in this AJC article.

Regardless it is a smart play for the Atlanta Hawks, to take a chance on a player with so much talent. The contract is modest and will be on the Hawks books two years max. That would mean he comes off of the books, just in time to make a forray into the great free agent class of 2021.

Even with five years in the NBA, there is still potential to be mined in the 24-year-old Parker. If coach Lloyd Pierce and his at staff are able to unlock that potential, along with the upside of the other young Atlanta Hawks prospects, the Hawks will be in the mix for a playoff spot this upcoming season.