By Alex Molina/ info@eurohoops.net
Getting ready for his second campaign in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague with FC Barcelona, Jabari Parker is determined to help win trophies following a fruitless debut season across continental and domestic competitions.
Parker, 29, sat down with Eurohoops to discuss his second year and updated his approach to a potential return to the NBA, besides distancing himself from politics.
“I wanted to feel a part of something. Being a part of this team gives me pride and I do not have to look behind my shoulder for temporary time, for a temporary team,” he talked about staying with Barcelona, “That is how I feel about this place.”
Becoming a fan favorite at Barca, Parker signed a contract extension, committing for two more years.
“It was the best choice because we have a lot of guys coming back. And I have been on a lot of teams and I wanted to stay put for once, be a part of something, and contribute to winning,” he said.
A veteran of 321 appearances in the NBA, he did not rule out a return but confirmed being happy to stay with the Catalonia giant.
“That is not important for me,” he explained to Eurohoops, “I do not consider the NBA the biggest thing in my life. The biggest thing in my life right now is to do something that means something. And right now it is playing for Barcelona and winning the championship.”
“Change people’s lives”
Beyond displaying his talents in Palau Blaugrana, the Chicago native is extremely comfortable in the city, using public transport.
“It was not to have a social voice,” he clarified, “It was convenient to take the train or the bus. For example, when I go to practice here there are no taxis. So, I just take the bus into the city.”
“I do not try to get involved in politics anymore,” he added, “My biggest thing is to be involved in people’s lives and to change people’s lives. I feel like I was taken advantage of for my political views to push forward for someone’s power in office. But now I just want to have personal relationships.”
“I can only do so much to help someone once they are appointed and then afterward people change up what they wanted or they have visions of doing,” he continued, “In order not to get let down, I just want to help individuals and do things as I have always been and be helpful to the youth, be helpful to the kids, be charitable as much as possible.”