The Atlanta Hawks should not chase Jabari Parker
The Atlanta Hawks still have a roster spot available as Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot is on a non-guaranteed contract. They may choose to leave this situation until the date that Luwawu-Cabarrot’s contract becomes guaranteed but until then the spot needs to be considered open.
In a recent article, we discussed if Avery Bradley should be a consideration for this spot, and to be honest, most players discussed will be weighed upon their pros and cons. This is not the case with Parker. The Hawks have seen what he can do and it simply does not fit what they need.
During the 2019-20 season, Parker played 32 games in an Atlanta Hawks uniform, starting 23 of them. He averaged 15.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 steals in 26.2 minutes per game. These are good numbers, so why should the Hawks not chase his signature now that he has been waived by the Boston Celtics per Shams of the Athletic.
The Atlanta Hawks already have what Jabari Parker brings
The problem for Jabari Parker, should he wish to come back to the Hawks is that they already have two big men with limited range on their shots. What they bring to the team is so much more than Parker ever could on the defensive end of the floor as well.
Clint Capela has no range outside of the restricted area but as he led the league in rebounds. He was also one of Trae Young’s favorite targets on the lob pass as well. Add this to his top-level defense and the Hawks would lose too much when Parker hit the floor.
Likewise, Onyeka Okongwu is a really solid player in the pick and roll. On top of that, he is a lot younger and is starting to develop some range in his shooting. His defense, particularly on players like Giannis Antetokounmpo is also a bonus for a team looking to go to the NBA Finals this season. On top of that, the newly signed Gorgui Dieng will provide defense and spacing.
Next. Don't let John Collins numbers fool you. dark
The Hawks also have the power forward position well and truly covered. John Collins signed his $125.0 million extension prior to the season and Danilo Gallinari proved to be a tremendous spark off the bench last season. Jalen Johnson will come on and provide youthful exuberance mixed with plenty of skill. Parker has not shown enough since his knee injury to displace any of the Hawks’ big men.