Jabari Parker left the Milwaukee Bucks in 2018, but his words live on, having left a mark on one of the team's brightest young players. Kasparas Jakucionis, who suited up with Parker as members of FC Barcelona, spoke about Parker's guidance when asked who gave the best advice he's ever received during an episode of The Deep 3 Podcast before the 2025 NBA Draft.
"Jabari Parker. He said, 'Be like water. Fit in everything.' It's a Bruce Lee quote, I think... I think it stuck a lot with me to be adaptable and be flexible in every situation."
Jakucionis must follow Parker's guidance
It's good advice. Parker is living proof of it. From coming into the NBA as a star second overall pick to a role player after countless injuries to now playing overseas, Parker has worn just about every hat he can. It's what has allowed him to stick around and play professional basketball for over a decade now. If he wasn't as versatile, there is no telling what he'd be doing right now.
Jakucionis can set himself up for success by following these words closely. In Miami, he was never in a position to play a consistent role, and there's no telling what his minutes will look like in Milwaukee to start, especially with the logjam they currently face. No matter where he is, all he can do is make the most of it, buying into it and playing his best.
If he does, especially under a player development maestro in Taylor Jenkins, success should follow.
Bucks must develop Jakucionis well
The Milwaukee Bucks have plenty of talented youngsters after the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, and one could argue that Jakucionis has some of the most potential. Having just turned 20, the soon-to-be sophomore had an impressive rookie season, showing off a knack for knocking down triples while flexing pristine passing in a 6-foot-5, 200 lb frame. Players like that do not grow on trees.
His development should be among the team's priorities next season. No matter how they plan to use him, all Jakucionis can do is be adaptable. He certainly won't be starting, as the backcourt will likely be some combination of Ryan Rollins, Tyler Herro, and Kevin Porter Jr., but the guard could certainly play a role off the bench right from the jump next season.
Jakucionis getting the opportunity to suit up against legitimate talent like Jabari Parker as a youth gave him a head start as he prepared for NBA life, and now, he must put what he learned to good use.
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