Former NBA Lottery Pick Jabari Parker Gets Emotional, Says He Rediscovered His Love of Basketball

A former NBA lottery pick playing overseas ball got emotional during an interview, sharing that he'd rediscovered his love for basketball after a rough stretch in the NBA.

Jabari Parker, selected second overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2014, played his first full year of pro hoops in Spain. 

Parker was the consensus top player in the nation coming out of high school and played a star-making campaign at Duke. However, Parker failed to translate all the hype and talent to the pro level and suffered numerous injuries which made for a difficult ride in the NBA from 2014 to 2022. 

CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 16:  Jabari Parker #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena on January 16, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

The 29-year-old was interviewed after completing a full year of EuroLeague hoops with FC Barcelona. Unable to speak through the emotions, Parker teared up and remained quiet as the media waited for an answer. 

Parker's reaction made the rounds on social media as fans wondered what prompted the genuine response.

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Parker later clarified that he cried "tears of gratitude" after playing a full year of basketball and re-discovering his passion for the game. The former Buck couldn't bend to the difficult learning curve of the NBA, also due to multiple ACL injuries at the start of his career. It was good to see Parker reach a point of fulfillment for a player who's gone through turmoil. 

"They were tears of gratitude. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to play again. In Barcelona, I’ve recovered my love for basketball." 

Parker appeared in 38 games for Barcelona last season, averaging 10.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. In his season-ending performance, Parker scored 27 points on 11-of-18 shooting. As relayed by HoopsHype, Parker finds solace in playing for the EuroLeague over American ball.

"I love the EuroLeague," Parker previously shared.

"It's very competitive, it's guys who play basketball the right way and the environment [atmosphere], most importantly, stands out. I just want to do what I do best, but most importantly, it’s all about winning. When we win, it takes care of all our problems and as long as I am a byproduct of our team’s success, then I'm happy."

WINSTON-SALEM, NC - MARCH 05:  Jabari Parker #1 of the Duke Blue Devils watches on during their game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Joel Coliseum on March 5, 2014 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

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