Jabari Parker Says He Didn’t Tank Workout With Cleveland Cavaliers

Former Duke forward and top NBA draft prospect Jabari Parker made some bold claims Wednesday.

While it was widely speculated that Parker “tanked” his workout with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who own the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, Parker said that was absolutely not true.

A source told Yahoo! Sports that Parker showed well-rounded skills in Cleveland but that his jump shot wasn’t his best and he needed to get in better shape.

“I’ve been dealing with (negativity) my entire life,” Parker told reporters Wednesday. “People have been giving me negative approaches about my weight, but I don’t have any problem with the way I am.”

Parker also said that the Milwaukee Bucks promised to draft him with the No. 2 pick. Yahoo! Sports was told that while the Bucks liked Parker, a promise was never made.

Still, regardless of what the Bucks did or did not promise Parker, he said he doesn’t think he’ll be picked first.

“I have some comfort level with (the Bucks), especially with them just telling me …’We want you,'” Parker said. “I didn’t get any real answer from the Cavs. I’m just going with what I’m certain with.”

The Cavs reportedly are still undecided on who they’ll draft first, but if they keep the pick, it’s expected that they’ll go with Kansas’ Andrew Wiggins.