Jabari Parker was in no mood to talk to the media after coming off the bench for the Chicago Bulls during a preseason game.
After spending the first four seasons of his NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks, Parker signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bulls during the offseason. Parker started each of the Bulls’ first games this preseason. However, on Wednesday, head coach Fred Hoiberg opted to bring Parker off of the bench.
Following Chicago’s 104-89 victory over the Indiana Pacers, Parker declined to speak to the media.
Jabari Parker declines to talk to reporters tonight. He came off the bench for the first time.
— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) October 11, 2018
Despite not starting, Parker played 26 minutes on Wednesday. Only Zach LaVine and Justin Holiday played more minutes. Parker had been struggling with his shot so far with his new team, making just 9-of-37 shots during the first three games. That may have played a part in Hoiberg’s decision.
Parker signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the Bulls and is expected to be among the starting five for the season opener. He finished Wednesday’s game with 11 points on 4-of-12 shooting. Not talking with the media represents a departure from his previous attitude, which included joking about his woes.
