One of the main reasons Chicago Bulls head coach Jim Boylen reportedly isn't playing small forward Jabari Parker anymore is because Parker is a poor defender.
Jabari Parker hasn't played in the last seven games for the Bulls and he is probably going to get traded soon.
The Chicago native says just because he's not a perfect defender, though, doesn't mean he shouldn't get playing time since he brings other things to the table.
“I’m not perfect, right?” Jabari Parker told K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. “The game is about minimizing mistakes. Guys get back-cut. Guys get a certain amount of points scored on them. But it’s not the end of the world. I’ve improved on all facets. You can’t just point out a few mistakes and say, ‘Hey, you got to sit out.’ That’s not the game because I offer so much to it.
“I give another threat on offense that can help the team. I’m a willing passer. And I rebound. It’s not just transition defense. Nobody is perfect in transition.”
There were many instances this season where Jabari Parker jogged back on defense or didn't even try to play any defense. That worked to an extent with Fred Hoiberg since he was an offensive-minded coach, but now that Jim Boylen is in charge, Parker's defensive woes have been more of a focal point with the coaches.
Parker is right, though. He does have other skills to offer, such as scoring and rebounding.
Jabari Parker is averaging 15.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game on the season. Whatever team he ends up playing for next will be getting a player who can score in bunches, and that is a valuable skill to have in the NBA.
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