I think Parker can probably get to an acceptable level defensively a lot easier than someone like Gordon can flip the switch offensively.
This is a near certainty.
Why does Gordon need to flip the switch offensively?? He is not a go to guy. He knows it also
Even without a shot though, once he puts on more muscle + utilizing his athleticism, he is going to have a easier time making all kinds of tough baskets. He has excellent passing skills, good enough handles and knows how to help his team offensively. His last several shots/passes vs Wisconsin shows also he can come through in crucial situations.
Gordon's bread and butter is his defense. He is twice the defender Parker is. You don't see everyday a guy able to defend 4 positions.
Lastly let me ask you, which player is likely going to able to stay on the floor longer in the nba starting next season ?? Its Gordon . Coaches don't yank players that don't turn over the ball and play oustanding defense. Parker might get fouled out before the half is done
And Jabari is 5 times the offensive player that Gordon is. Jabari's put on 20 pounds since his injury in the 2013 off season. He'll surely drop that puppy fat and more with NBA conditioning in the summer and the diet control he'll get.
I'd also argue that Gordon isn't going to be able to bully NBA players as he has done in the NCAA which will take him at least one season to get used to as he adjusts and add's more strength.
What do we care if Gordon can stay on the floor next season? Where are we going next season? Are we pulling off a K Love trade? Most likely not, so we need to find a bonafide STAR player.
Jabari Parker has the makings of a star. Aaron Gordon has the makings of an elite role player.
Jabari's footwork, timing and rhythm for someone his size are just incredible.
Why isn't he a great defender? Because he's never had to play defense to beat his opponents- he'd just outscore them.
The kid is a killer and has stated multiple times that he takes losing personally. You don't think he'll take the negativity about his defense personally and work on it?
Who would you take with the 5th pick? Jabari Parker or Aaron Gordon?
They shouldn't even be in the same conversation.
You're saying he doesn't have a quick first step, but he's still quick enough to burn the best defenders the NCAA. Pierce doesn't have the quickest first step either. He turned out okay.
I remember when people said the same thing about Pierce's defense at Kansas. They said the same about Kevin Durant. They said the same thing about Carmelo.
What's the difference between those three now?
Durant and Pierce have superior work ethic- as does Jabari Parker.
Carmelo doesn't care about defense as much so he's not willing to put in the work.
Jabari Parker will 110% put in the work because that's the next step for him.
Why do you think Ainge is enamoured with him? He's Paul Pierce 2.0 and his ceiling is even higher because of his already incredible 3 point shot that took Pierce years to develop.