Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Bobby Ray Parks Jr. has played three games in the National Basketball Association (NBA) Summer League, and basketball insider Rafe Bartholomew believes that the fact that he is playing at that level is already an achievement.
“He hasn’t had a lot of time to play yet, but he is keeping his attitude right,” said Bartholomew in an interview on CNN Philippines’ Sports Desk on Tuesday (July 14).
Parks acknowledged that his participation in the Summer League is just the first step in the process of fulfilling his goal to make it in the NBA. A process Bartholomew believes could take awhile. But Parks playing in the Summer League says something about his level of play.
“He’s doing it as a process, which is really the way he has to do it,” said Bartholomew. “”It could be a long process, but it means a lot that he made it to this level to begin with.”
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A lot to prove
In his three appearances for the Mavericks, Parks has been utilized in an unfamiliar off-guard position. Bartholomew believes that the Mavs see Parks in a role that is different from what he is used to.
“I think at an NBA-level they’re looking at him as a combo guard,” said Batholomew. “He’s (Parks) a little bit frustrated because he is a point guard.”
Bartholomew mentioned that the Mavs like Parks’ physical traits and athleticism, and that he has been shooting really well the whole summer.
“His shooting is improving and he’s shot really well actually in Dallas’ practices and all summer long,” said Bartholomew. “That’s a big reason why he was able to impress in his workouts and get this opportunity in the summer league.”
Despite all the positives, Bartholomew says that it is all up to Parks to make good in all the promise the Mavs organization sees in him.
“Right now it’s up to him to prove that he actually is the guy who they see.”
