BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Jabari Parker #20 of the Boston Celtics looks to pass during a game against ... [+]
The Celtics have won seven of their last eight games and seem to be hitting their stride when it matters most. Despite a lack of consistent health that continues to plague its lineup, Boston has settled into a very nice groove over the last few weeks amid a crowded pack in the middle of the Eastern Conference.
While the Celtics were on a five-game winning streak last week, they made an unexpected Friday-night transaction, signing former No. 2 overall pick Jabari Parker and waiving trade-deadline acquisition Moritz Wagner to free up a roster spot. At the surface, it seemed like an end-of-the-bench move, but Parker has wasted no time making his presence felt during his first week in Boston.
On February 6, 2020, Parker was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Sacramento Kings. He played just six games for Sacramento over the remainder of the 2020 season and saw even less time this year. Before being waived by the Kings on March 25, 2021, Parker played in three games, totaling just 27 minutes. He never even sniffed the Sacramento rotation, so it was no surprise that he was ultimately waived. Parker’s injury-filled history has hindered his ability to find consistency at the pro level, but Boston could be the place to rejuvenate his play.
Parker signed his two-year deal with the Celtics last Friday and was in uniform against the Golden State Warriors less than 24 hours later. With the quick turnaround behind him, Parker didn’t skip a beat stepping onto the floor in his new uniform, scoring 11 points on 5-of-6 FG. In his first two games in Boston, Parker played a total of 32 minutes (five more than he played during his entire stay in Sacramento), scoring a combined 19 points on 9-of-13 FG. It was a glimpse into what the former Duke star could provide for Brad Stevens and Co. in a mutually beneficial relationship. Boston is an ideal scenario for Parker to “find his groove” again, as Stevens put it, while the Celtics can benefit from using him as a small-ball big.
“It’s always good to be on the court and, most importantly, just blessed to have good health,” Parker said Monday. “So, hopefully I can use this as a good learning experience and just keep on the good habits that I look forward to keeping.”
On top of the opportunistic mindset, Parker has always had his eye on Boston.
“I’ve just been a fan of the Boston Celtics,” he added. “They just do things the right way, as far as like the teamwork, the hard work and preparation. And hopefully I can be integrated and rub off on those guys as far as their work ethic and their habits.”
Parker’s two-year contract involves two guarantee dates next season, according to The Athletic’s Jared Weiss and Jay King. The first date is set for July 31, where Parker will receive $100,000, followed by $1,041,517 on the first day of the regular season. The first guarantee date is subject to change with the fluid league schedule, per Weiss. This guaranteed money comes out to roughly half of Parker’s full salary with Boston.
Parker was quietly productive once again in Thursday’s win over the Phoenix Suns. The 26-year-old had six points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal on 3-of-5 shooting in 15 minutes. It is nights like these where Parker’s addition becomes increasingly important. Missing Jaylen Brown, Robert Williams and Evan Fournier, the Celtics needed depth pieces to step up, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Parker did just that, using his offensive versatility to his advantage, something Boston’s bench desperately needed earlier this season.
He may not move as well as he used to following two torn ACLs, but Boston has the ability to utilize him more effectively than his last few stops. Parker’s stat-line won’t jump out at you, however he should serve as a productive player toward the back-end of Boston’s healthy rotation. That will go a long way for the Celtics as they continue to push toward the postseason.
