As first reported by Malika Andrews of ESPN, Jabari Parker will be removed from the Chicago Bulls regular rotation. The decision was announced after the Bulls loss 91-97 to the Orlando Magic in Mexico City. Jabari played four minutes and was scoreless in the game. After the game, head coach Jim Boylen told the media the reason of Jabari being at the bench for almost the entire game.
“Well, I think it’s a matchup thing. It’s also hard to play three 4s. It’s difficult to do that. You know, this team is not about one person, one matchup. It’s about the team, and you play your minutes when you’re in there, and when you’re not, you support the guys who are. We have a lot of games left, and we’re going to need all of our people.”
When asked by the media about the decision made by coach Boylen, Jabari said that he doesn’t expect it to be permanent but he was surprised when he was told.
“It is a surprise because I did everything I could in the time I was given but it is what it is. You can’t pout. You just got to keep moving.”
Parker was signed during the summer by the Bulls to a 2-year, $40 Million contract which includes a team option for next year. Jabari started the season as the Bulls sixth man but the injuries of Bobby Portis and Lauri Markkanen allowed him to get in the starting lineup. When Lauri returned from his injury earlier in the month, he took Jabari’s place in the starting lineup. Jabari’s role changed and he started to come off the bench for the Bulls and now he’s probably only going to see the court in garbage time.
This season, Jabari is averaging 15.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 30 minutes per game. The Bulls are currently the last team in the East with a 6-23 record.
