NBA Mock Draft: Milwaukee Bucks Select Jabari Parker from Duke

NBA Mock Draft Pick #2 -- Jabari Parker, Forward, Duke

SB Nation's Bucks blog Brewhoop explains the pick:

Well this is unexpected. The bold choice for Milwaukee would be to select Joel Embiid, sit him all year while he recovers, endure another awful season, and snag another high pick next year, a la this season's 76ers. However, the long-term health risk with Embiid is just too unsettling, and while the Bucks probably don't care about competing next year, they wouldn't mind energizing the fanbase with a flashy young player, so it's easier to just go with the remaining half of the "Big Two." Parker would provide a true go-to scoring option and reliable shot-creator for Milwaukee's listless offense, something they desperately need. He might not have the athleticism of Wiggins or the creativity of Dante Exum, but Parker really knows how to use his skills to full effect. Last season he shot over 62% at the rim, drew free-throws on over a third of his possessions, and rebounded like a madman. He can score from anywhere on the floor and is a capable-if-unspectacular passer. Add to that his reputation as a hard worker and high-character player (useful in an unsettled locker room like the Bucks') and roots close to Milwaukee and the fit looks even better.

There might be concerns over Parker's defense, but Milwaukee is well-equipped to compensate for any shortcomings on that end with Giannis Antetokounmpo flanking him and Larry Sanders backing everybody up. And truthfully, if a forward with good size, good strength, and decent quickness torpedoes a team's defense, there probably wasn't much there to begin with. As long as Parker isn't a complete disaster on that end, his scoring ability should more than make up for any defensive trouble.

More: Full NBA Draft Coverage

1 Cleveland Cavaliers: ANDREW WIGGINS 
2 Milwaukee Bucks JABARI PARKER
3 Philadelphia 76ers
4 Orlando Magic
5 Utah Jazz
6 Boston Celtics
7 Los Angeles Lakers
8 Sacramento Kings
9 Charlotte Hornets
10 Philadelphia 76ers
11 Denver Nuggets
12 Orlando Magic
13 Minnesota Timberwolves
14 Phoenix Suns
15 Atlanta Hawks
16 Chicago Bulls
17 Boston Celtics
18 Phoenix Suns
19 Chicago Bulls
20 Toronto Raptors
21 Oklahoma City Thunder
22 Memphis Grizzlies
23 Utah Jazz
24 Charlotte Hornets
25 Houston Rockets
26 Miami Heat
27 Phoenix Suns
28 Los Angeles Clippers
29 Oklahoma City Thunder
30 San Antonio Spurs