Jabari Parker sighting in SLC sparks speculation among Utah Jazz fans

Coveted free agent Jabari Parker was recently spotted in Salt Lake City, but his visit likely wasn’t for the reason Utah Jazz fans may have hoped.

With the 2017-18 season wrapped up for all but the two teams fortunate enough to be playing for the Larry O’Brien Trophy, the biggest events ahead for Utah Jazz fans are without a doubt the NBA Draft and ensuing free agency period. Although the Jazz don’t figure to be overly active in free agency aside from aiming to retain their own guys, that doesn’t stop fans from letting their imaginations fly as they dream about attractive potential free agent additions.

The 2018 free agent class is a little bit tricky. There’s a few big names out there such as Paul George, LeBron James and Kevin Durant. However, the likelihood of any of those three considering the Jazz is slim to none. Then there are a few appealing younger free agents with immense upside, but many of them are restricted free agents whose current teams will be able to match any offers sent their way.

And regardless of how hefty some of those offers are probably going to end up, it’s quite likely that they’ll still be matched.

One player in particularly that fits this bill perfectly that several Utah Jazz fans have been anxiously eye-balling is the Milwaukee Bucks’ Jabari Parker. The former No. 2 overall draft pick has had somewhat of a difficult career as he’s battled injury throughout his NBA tenure. Still, when healthy he’s showed a ton of promise.

His best season came in 2016-17 when he found himself between injuries and he put up 20.1 points per game on 49 percent shooting from the field and 36.5 percent shooting from deep. This past season, although it was only in 31 regular season games, he shot 38.3 percent from deep, a solid figure. For comparison, during Rodney Hood‘s time with the Jazz in 2017-18, he shot 38.9 percent, mere tenths of a percentage better even though it was a career mark for him.

Those numbers have given Jazz fans hope that the young Parker could be an incredible asset for the Jazz as a play-making stretch-four. While there are undoubtedly concerns about his game, he also does check a lot of the boxes that would make him an ideal fit in Utah’s system. Not only that but his upside is undeniable.

Furthermore, several have pointed out the fact that Jabari could prove to be an excellent culture fit based on the fact that he is a member of the LDS faith, the predominant religion in the Salt Lake City area. Because of this, he has several friends, family and connections in the region that could make him not only willing to stay with the Jazz, but happy to pursue opportunities there.

In fact, just this past weekend, Parker was sighted by several fans in Salt Lake City, sparking no shortage of speculation. Could he have been there for just a routine visit? Of course he could have. But we’re nearing free agency and with Parker’s status up in the air for upcoming seasons, it was hard not to wonder if there were ulterior motives to his stay.

It turns out, though, that the reason for Parker’s trip to Salt Lake was pretty explainable. It just so happened that he was in town for a special celebration put on by the LDS Church commemorating the 40-year anniversary of the church’s priesthood and other privileges being extended to members of all different ethnic backgrounds. Specifically, it was a monumental occasion for those of the faith of African descent.

As an African-American and a prominent member of the LDS Church, it stands to reason that Parker would want to be in attendance for the celebration, which more than explains his presence in Salt Lake City this past weekend.

This isn’t the first time that Parker has made a trip to Salt Lake for a reason outside of basketball. Less than a year ago, he attended an anti-racism rally held there.

While both of his visits were for commendable reasons, some Jazz fans who would be excited to see Jabari Parker suit up in a Jazz uniform may be disappointed to hear that his intention for being in Salt Lake likely had little to nothing to do with joining the ranks of the local NBA team. Nevertheless, it isn’t a possibility that should be entirely counted out.

There’s been reports of unrest between he and the Bucks which could impact free agency. Or, if he is retained, perhaps the connections he has in Utah will one day motivate him to seek them out as an unrestricted free agent.

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For now, though, I’d say it’s a pretty safe bet that we won’t be seeing Jabari Parker in a Jazz uniform next season. Even if the Bucks decide to part ways with him, he’ll still likely come with a hefty price tag, the likes of which I don’t know that Utah would want to offer especially considering Parker’s spotty injury history.

Still, Dennis Lindsey is a master at his craft, so expect the Utah Jazz to keep any and all possibilities open this summer as they look to make further moves – whether they be minor stepping stones or monumental changes – to continue to improve towards becoming a championship-caliber team.