NBA Draft
Derek Parker

Derek Parker

Joined: Apr 24, 2024

Derek is co-founder and publisher for Draft Digest and Inside The Thunder for Fan Nation, powered by Sports Illustrated. He has been a sports writer in the Oklahoma City market for five years now, primarily covering the NBA Draft and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Nov 17, 2024; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) dunks the ball against Tarleton Texans forward Ronnie Harrison Jr. (3) during the second half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Newsfeed

VJ Edgecombe Dazzles as Baylor Delivers Blowout

A projected top-five in the 2025 NBA Draft, freshman VJ Edgecombe was all cylinders go Sunday night.

Derek Parker
|
Nov 16, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) brings the ball up court against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Newsfeed

Lakers Rookie Finding Footing in Starting Role

Los Angeles newbie Dalton Knecht is beginning to become an impactful players for the Lakers.

Derek Parker
|
Nov 15, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey warms up before taking on the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
Newsfeed

Rookie Zach Edey to Face MVP Nikola Jokic

Memphis Grizzlies big man Zach Edey will face off against the three-time MVP tonight.

Derek Parker
|
Nov 15, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (20) celebrates after a three pointer against the Orlando Magic in the third quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Newsfeed

Jared McCain Continues Historic Pace as 76ers Falter

Philadelphia’s rookie has been a shining light in a dark season so far.

Derek Parker
|
Nov 15, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights center Lathan Sommerville (24) slaps hands with guard Ace Bailey (4) during the first half against the Monmouth Hawks at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Newsfeed

How Ace Bailey Fared in His Rutgers’ Debut

How freshman five-star Ace Bailey fared in his first-ever collegiate action.

Derek Parker
|
Nov 4, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) looks for an opening to pass during the second half against the Maine Black Bears at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
Newsfeed

Projecting the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery

Simulating the 2025 NBA Draft just a few games into the college season.

Derek Parker
|
Nov 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (20) controls the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

76ers Rookie Showing Early Signs of Stardom

Philadelphia’s Jared McCain’s hasn’t looked like a rookie so far.

Derek Parker
|
Oct 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Newsfeed

Lakers Rookie Bounces Back with Career High

Rookie Dalton Knecht saw one of his best games in purple and gold Wednesday.

Derek Parker
|
Nov 13, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Newsfeed

Trail Blazers Rookie Dominates in Win Over Timberwolves

Portland rookie Donovan Clingan saw his best professional game on Wednesday night.

Derek Parker
|
Basketball
Newsfeed

BYU’s Egor Demin Continues NBA Draft Ascension 

BYU guard Egor Demin continued to look the part of a top-three draft pick.

Derek Parker
|
Nov 13, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Newsfeed

Yves Missi Continues Success in Pelicans’ Starting Lineup

Rookie Yves Missi continued his stretch of solid play on Wednesday night.

Derek Parker
|
Nov 6, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) handles the ball as Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) defends during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Newsfeed

Rookie Zach Edey to Face Tough Test in Lakers’ Anthony Davis

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey will have his hands full standing in opposition to Anthony Davis tonight.

Derek Parker
|