Milwaukee Bucks: Jabari Parker officially introduced by Chicago Bulls

Having seen his qualifying offer rescinded by the Milwaukee Bucks, Jabari Parker was officially introduced by the Chicago Bulls at a press conference on Wednesday.

As a player who was once viewed as being central to the franchise’s prospects of success, it will likely be a long time before Milwaukee Bucks fans finish discussing Jabari Parker’s departure.

The former second overall pick from the 2014 NBA Draft saw his time in Milwaukee disrupted by major injuries, but as time progressed Parker’s fit and chemistry within the team also became growing issues for the Bucks to factor into their biggest free agency decision of the summer.

Upon his qualifying offer being rescinded by the Bucks, signing a two-year deal worth $20 million per year with the Chicago Bulls, Parker guaranteed he wouldn’t have too far to travel to play for his new team. With his hometown Bulls, Parker could play against the Bucks as many as four times in the regular season next year too.

More from Bucks News

• Bucks 2023-24 player profile: Can MarJon Beauchamp take a leap?
• Piecing together the Milwaukee Bucks’ dream starting 5 in 5 years
• Predicting Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s 2023-24 stats for the Bucks
• Grade the trade: Bucks land reputable backup guard in swap with Pacers
• New workout video should have Milwaukee Bucks fans excited

The sight of Parker as a Bull will become a familiar one in other words, but the first official glimpse arrived on Wednesday as he was officially introduced at a press conference from the United Center.

Sitting alongside front office decision-makers Gar Forman and John Paxson, as well as head coach Fred Hoiberg, Parker was unveiled as the Bulls’ new No. 2, with his parents, former high school coach, and his agent, Marc Bartelstein all watching on.

Parker spoke about his excitement to return home throughout the press conference, opening with a statement stressing how grateful he was for the opportunity the Bulls have given him.

"“Thank you for the Bulls organization for taking a chance on me, and I’m going to do my best to fulfil their wishes.”"

Asked about the process that led to his homecoming in Chicago, Parker seemed to note that it wasn’t always entirely within his control, but that he was pleased when it emerged the Bulls were interested in signing him.

"“It wasn’t about me at the end of the day, it was just the stars aligned and the opportunity presented itself. It just fit perfectly, so the contract took care of itself, but it was more like the stars aligned.”"

In terms of the two torn ACL injuries he’s suffered throughout his NBA career to date, Parker was asked about how the Bucks had handled those injuries and how his health could maybe be handled better in future, to which he offered unreserved praise of the treatment and support he received as a player in Milwaukee.

"“As far as Milwaukee goes, I give them all the praise for having the patience with me, and developing me and helping me through my injuries. Especially the medical staff. They did a tremendous job helping me to bounce back and putting together a plan, and I owe it to them; my trainer Suki [Hobson], and Mike Davie, and Troy Flanagan. They really helped me big time in my career, so I credit them.”"

Interestingly, Parker was also quizzed on how that time on the sidelines may have changed his role within the team and the wider perception of him within the Bucks’ organization. Although he wouldn’t commit to commenting on the potential influence on management or the coaching staff, Parker credited his Milwaukee teammates with doing all they could to keep him involved.

"“I can’t speak for the front office, but I can speak for my teammates. They really did a great job integrating me within the culture and also keeping me involved with conversation and activities. My teammates did a really great job and made it easy to jump into the mix once I played.”"

Coming out of his introductory press conference, it’s safe to say there are still many questions and mysteries that remain unresolved from Parker’s time with the Bucks — some which Parker, himself, has previously suggested he’d talk about when the time was right.

Next: Milwaukee Bucks: Bidding farewell to Jabari Parker

The answers to those question may come to light in the not so distant future, but as a new era dawns in Chicago for Jabari Parker, it’s safe to say it’s time for Milwaukee to move forward with their established superstar, and his intriguing supporting cast too.