Milwaukee Bucks: 4 potential restricted free agency suitors for Jabari Parker
By Rohan Katti
Utah Jazz
Projected 2018-19 Cap Space: $17,427,264
Why it makes sense
After spending seven years molding Gordon Hayward into an All-Star player, the Utah Jazz lost Hayward to the Boston Celtics in free agency. Even though the Jazz still have an All-Star caliber player in Rudy Gobert, that is not nearly enough to compete in the Western Conference. The NBA trend is multiple superstars, and the Jazz now need to pair someone with Gobert.
Jabari Parker could be that superstar. Utah desperately needs an offensive threat given the Hayward departure, and would welcome the special talent that Parker possesses. Parker’s defensive lapses would be negligible, given the monstrous presence of Gobert, and the other solid defenders on the Jazz.
Why it doesn’t make sense
Unless the Jazz decide to part ways with Quin Snyder, Jabari Parker would not be able to reach his full potential in Utah. Snyder likes to play a slow-paced meticulous offense, where Parker is most successful when running. While there is a possibility that Snyder would adapt to Jabari’s talents, it is unlikely given that the Jazz have built a roster that fits Snyder’s system.
Speaking of the rest of the roster, the addition of Parker would create a log-jam at the forward position in Utah. There would have to be time found for Jabari Parker in addition to Rodney Hood, Joe Ingles, Thabo Sefolosha, Jonas Jerebko, Ekpe Udoh, and possibly others. Cap space is another obstacle, as the Jazz do not have enough cap space to compete with other teams.