Chicago Bulls: One area every starter can improve in 2018-2019
By Ryan Heckman
Small Forward Jabari Parker
Area of improvement: Defense
Jabari Parker asked for this. He practically begged for it when he told the media his feelings on playing defense a little while back. Essentially, Parker swept it under the rug and noted how not many stars in this league play defense in today’s NBA.
News flash, Mr. Parker: You’re playing for a team that just traded one of the best defenders in the league in Butler, and he’s a star. Look at fellow stars in this league like Klay Thompson, Giannis Antetokounmpo and a rookie such as your new teammate, Wendell Carter Jr.
Stars don’t play defense? Give me a break.
Related Story. Bulls send strong message in Preseason Game no. 1. light
Not only do they play defense, but they take their job seriously, too.
I want to see a motivated Parker on the defensive end, especially because of the position switch. The last thing his career needs (aside from another injury) is a full season of terrible defensive play. The Bulls won’t bring him back, they’ll save the money and move on in 2019. The hometown kid won’t last long back home if he can’t at least attempt to play some defense.
I don’t want any jokes. I don’t want to see an attitude. No sarcasm. Just play. Play hard and defend. That’s it. No more, no less.