Jabari Parker officially declared for the NBA Draft on Thursday, ending any questions about whether he might return to Duke to join their loaded recruiting class for a run at the 2015 NCAA championship.
“I am now ready to take the leap to the NBA. It’s a dream come true,” Parker wrote in Sports Illustrated.
Some NBA personnel think the 6-foot-8 Parker is more prepared than fellow frosh superstars Andrew Wiggins, Joel Embiid and Julius Randle to contribute immediately at the NBA level.
“He is the most ready freshman to step in and help a team next year,” one former NBA executive told SNY.tv Thursday.
One NBA assistant coach told SNY.tv earlier this year that Parker could step in and help several NBA teams in the playoffs this year.
“Jabari could leave Duke now and help any playoff team in the East from the 4th through 8th spots in the playoffs,” the assistant coach said.
The same coach said Parker’s game “most resembles Paul Pierce or Carmelo Anthony.”
The same NBA assistant previously told SNY.tv that Parker would be the best player on the Utah Jazz — right now.
Asked who he would take No. 1 overall in the Draft, the assistant said: “I take Jabari every time. Ready to play, a winner, great kid, can shoot. He has tremendous upside and has performed when the lights were on.”
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