Jabari Parker, the American forward, spoke to Basketball Sphere about his move to Joventut, Zeljko Obradovic, his relationship with Joan Penarroya, as well as comments made by Ostoja Mijailovic.
Jabari Parker arrived as the most expensive signing in Partizan history, and his name – because of everything he had accomplished before coming to Belgrade – carried enormous weight. Unfortunately for both him and the black-and-white fans, the situation did not unfold well, and it was decided that the best solution for everyone was for him to find a new environment.
His move to Joventut appears to be the right step for the former No. 2 NBA draft pick, who spoke to Basketball Sphere about the feeling of being needed and how much that means to him:
“My role has changed. It’s a job at the end of the day. I was needed here and decided to come. Now I’m trying to do the best I can”, Jabari Parker began.
In Badalona, he was welcomed by some greats of European basketball, such as Ricky Rubio and Ante Tomic, who, as he says, have made his adaptation process easier.
“In this business, you’ll have many teammates and play against many opponents. These are guys I’ve gotten to know over the years – especially Ricky (Rubio). It’s good to have teammates like that, leaders. I’m enjoying this team.”
Because of his less-than-ideal stint at Partizan, a perception emerged that Jabari Parker came to Europe just for money. However, moments like the one after Barcelona’s loss in the Endesa League semifinals in the 2023/24 season show a different side of the 31-year-old.
“That’s not my world or my reality. I enjoy the game of basketball. Basketball has taken me to many places, and I’m happy to keep doing what I love. I’m fortunate, and that’s why it remains my passion”, Jabari Parker told us and then spoke about his veteran status:
“Yes, I’m a veteran now, but the way you see me and the way I see myself are two different things. You come from what you think you know, and I’m telling you my truth. In this situation, I’m playing basketball, I love it, and that’s my path. Everything else is a distraction, and I don’t get into that much. I go where I’m needed. That’s why I’m here in Badalona.”
When you enter the NBA as the No. 2 pick at just 19 years old, after playing for a powerhouse like Duke, expectations are unimaginable for most. Jabari Parker was once compared to Carmelo Anthony, but his NBA career didn’t go as planned, largely due to injuries:
“There’s no such thing as setback. It was something that happened in my life, and I don’t believe my career derailed because of it. It made me a better person, and I’m happy I went through what I went through. It’s part of life, and I accept all challenges. I don’t see it as negative – just valuable experience.”
It was impossible not to mention his collaboration at Partizan with Zeljko Obradovic, the most decorated coach in European basketball history, which lasted only a few months due to Obradovic’s decision to leave.
“It just happened, right? Zeljko (Obradovic) had to do what was best for him. He’s a grown man and is not entitled to do anything. He is only entitled to do what’s best for him. After that, situations occurred where the professional and business sides made certain decisions. That has nothing to do with questioning myself. I’m not going to war. I’m not killing people to make a living. This is just basketball, and things happen.”
He explained his broader perspective, emphasizing that there are far more important things in the world than basketball.
“I know myself. Many people see basketball as everything, but there are bigger problems in the world. People are dying in Israel and Gaza. My problems are very limited. Yes, my job is to perform and win games, but as long as I’m healthy, have friends and family, and stay mentally and physically well – that’s what matters most to me.”
After departure of Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan hired Joan Penarroya, and it was expected he might revive Parker, just like during their time together at Barcelona. That didn’t happen, as Peñarroya decided to sideline him.
“He (Joan Penarroya) doesn’t owe me anything. He has to do his job, and he did it. I don’t blame him for anything. He’s the coach and has the right to make decisions. I’m the player – if I need to play, I’ll play; if I need to sit X period of games, I’ll sit. That’s my job. That’s my job, and I will do what’s required. I don’t have any opinion on whether it’s good or not. I just have to fulfill my duty.”
He also addressed whether he felt he was treated unfairly:
“He treated me accordingly. It’s a job. Someone makes decisions, and I do what I have to do. That’s all that matters.”
Partizan president Ostoja Mijailovic publicly called Parker’s contract the club’s biggest mistake and commented on his weight.
“That’s a myth. There are no numbers anywhere. If I’m so out of shape, look at me now – do you watch basketball?”, Jabari Parker asked and after receiving confirmation, he continued:
“Then I shouldn’t even be talking about it. I’m guy that’s about results. I’m good. People make decisions – it’s part of the job. If I am told to sit, I sit. If I am told to play, I play. That’s my responsibility.”
After everything that happened, his future with Partizan remains unclear. The club has stated it will look for a new team for him, but Parker remains professional:
“As I said, I’ll fulfill my duties. As you know, I’m always professional and will do whatever is needed. That’s all that matters. Wherever I’m needed, I’ll be. If it was just about money, I am content. I love this game and always give my best.”
Before moving to Joventut, there were reports about interest from China, but Parker dismissed them.
“I’m not aware of that. I don’t know anything about it.”
The conversation also touched on lighter topics. His 2013/14 Duke team featured players familiar to ABA League fans, such as Rasheed Sulaimon and Semi Ojeleye:
“It’s not out of ordinary – the game is growing. There are great players in great leagues. It’s beautiful for basketball. I’m grateful to have shared the court with people I grew up with. I’m blessed, happy, and thankful for where I am today.”
To finish, Jabari Parker was asked to pick an all-time Chicago lineup – a surprisingly tough task.
“Derrick Rose, Isiah Thomas, Antoine Walker, Anthony Davis, and Sonny Parker (Jabari Parker’s father)”, Jabari Parker concluded for Basketball Sphere.
Basketball Sphere Interview – ANDRE ROBERSON (@FlyDre21)https://t.co/y9in8Gifnj
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) April 7, 2026
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