#MCM- Jabari Parker, PF, Milwaukee Bucks
@Hoover__26 March 7
Ok, I admit, I was a tad skeptical of Jabari Parker early on. I understand that his college stats were insanely good, and that he was the second best prospect in his draft class, but something made me doubt him just a bit. I can’t confirm it, but it could have something to do with his team’s (I put this as tastefully as possible) shocking loss to the Mercer Bears in the first round of the NCAA tournament (thus screwing with my bracket). I mean, I thought he was better than Andrew Wiggins (which he might be), but I liked guys like Nikola Mirotic and Joel Embiid more. Now, I eat my words every time Parker does something amazing (which is pretty often). So, I figured I would honor Jabari and his proving me wrong by featuring him as this week’s #MCM.
Since the All-Star break, Parker has been ripping up the league. He has put up four 40+ DK point performances since the break (nine games), including one that topped 50 (against a Houston team that buries its head at the sound of the word “defense”). He is rebounding and passing the ball very well, has four consecutive games with a pair of steals, and has only had two games of sub-50 field goal percentage in that span (he still managed to hover around the 35 DK point mark in those games). Parker has scored the ball at a tremendous clip in his past nine games, topping the 20 points per game mark. However, his other categories have also been on the rise, managing a strong .584 PPFP (Points Per Fantasy Point) on espn.com scoring as well.
The question is, what about the All-Star break revitalized Parker’s season? Was it the extra rest? Personally, I think it was his participation in the Rising Stars Challenge that gave his game a jump start (pun 100% intended). Parker was flying around the court, and pretty much owned the highlight reel with some of his plays. I would venture to say that a fun, easy game on national TV that allowed him to play his game and be a high-flyer was just what the doctor ordered for Jabari. His stats have made a quantum leap in recent games, as his True Shooting percentage has made a 5.6% jump and his Three Point percentage has made a 8.6% jump since the All-Star break (statmuse.com).
Now, keep in mind, Parker’s post All-Stars percentage from long range is still only 28.6%. Parker is scoring his points without the ability (presently, this very well may change as his jumper develops) to be a stretch-4, which shows just how good he is in the post and inside the arc in general. Take a look at this shot chart, courtesy of statmuse.com:
Since the All-Star break, Parker has been ripping up the league. He has put up four 40+ DK point performances since the break (nine games), including one that topped 50 (against a Houston team that buries its head at the sound of the word “defense”). He is rebounding and passing the ball very well, has four consecutive games with a pair of steals, and has only had two games of sub-50 field goal percentage in that span (he still managed to hover around the 35 DK point mark in those games). Parker has scored the ball at a tremendous clip in his past nine games, topping the 20 points per game mark. However, his other categories have also been on the rise, managing a strong .584 PPFP (Points Per Fantasy Point) on espn.com scoring as well.
The question is, what about the All-Star break revitalized Parker’s season? Was it the extra rest? Personally, I think it was his participation in the Rising Stars Challenge that gave his game a jump start (pun 100% intended). Parker was flying around the court, and pretty much owned the highlight reel with some of his plays. I would venture to say that a fun, easy game on national TV that allowed him to play his game and be a high-flyer was just what the doctor ordered for Jabari. His stats have made a quantum leap in recent games, as his True Shooting percentage has made a 5.6% jump and his Three Point percentage has made a 8.6% jump since the All-Star break (statmuse.com).
Now, keep in mind, Parker’s post All-Stars percentage from long range is still only 28.6%. Parker is scoring his points without the ability (presently, this very well may change as his jumper develops) to be a stretch-4, which shows just how good he is in the post and inside the arc in general. Take a look at this shot chart, courtesy of statmuse.com:
That is the kind of chart you would expect from a guy upwards of 7’ tall. However, the 6’8” Parker uses his elite explosiveness and 7’ wingspan to score at will in the interior. Just imagine what kind of numbers he could put up when his jumper develops to even a 35% rate.
Jabari Parker is this week’s #MCM. Parker’s combination of speed, power and potential make him a vital piece of Milwaukee’s playoff picture. It also makes him an elite fantasy player, in every possible format.
Jabari Parker is this week’s #MCM. Parker’s combination of speed, power and potential make him a vital piece of Milwaukee’s playoff picture. It also makes him an elite fantasy player, in every possible format.