Golden State Warriors: 3 Abandoned talents worth giving a shot

This photo taken on August 4, 2020 shows Beijing Ducks' Jeremy Lin driving the ball during the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) match between Beijing Ducks and Guangdong Southern Tigers in Qingdao in China's eastern Shandong province. (Photo by STR / AFP) / China OUT (Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images)
This photo taken on August 4, 2020 shows Beijing Ducks' Jeremy Lin driving the ball during the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) match between Beijing Ducks and Guangdong Southern Tigers in Qingdao in China's eastern Shandong province. (Photo by STR / AFP) / China OUT (Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Golden State Warriors’ targets: Jabari Parker

I won’t lie, it would take a total revitalization for Jabari Parker to turn his career around. A prospect who was once extremely athletic has now become a slow-footed, laboring big man with an inconsistent 3-point shot.

Parker can’t be totally blamed for the way his career has gone. He was averaging 20.1 points and 6.2 rebounds in his third season before an ACL tear derailed his development. Parker has been a shell of himself ever since, dealing with multiple lingering injuries over the years.

His value has tanked more than ever recently, posting just 2.7 points in three games for the Sacramento Kings this season. He is now a free agent and it’s likely this is his last chance to earn a spot in the NBA.

The Golden State Warriors can offer salvation for Parker. A focused role on the bench could help him get back to playing consistent basketball. He’s a poor 3-point shooter despite always having smooth mechanics – perhaps playing with the Dubs could help him take a leap in this area of his game.

Parker shouldn’t be the first choice for Golden State. Still, if the front office doesn’t feel satisfied with anyone else, why not offer the 25-year-old one more chance to thrive?