Derek Parker

Derek Parker

Joined: Apr 24, 2024

Derek Parker covers the National Basketball Association, and has brought On SI five seasons of coverage across several different teams. He graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2020, and has experience working in print, video and radio.

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the fourth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson after he was selected by the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Feb 7, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) shoots over Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Feb 23, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Mikel Brown Jr. (0) on the court in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) celebrates a 3-pointer against Wisconsin with guard Elliot Cadeau (3) and forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) during the second half of Big Ten Tournament semifinal at United Center in Chicago on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Jun 25, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards first round draft pick and number one overall pick AJ Dybantsa speaks to the media during a press conference at InterContinental Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

Checking in on the top-10 rookies to watch in today's Summer League action.

Houston's Kingston Flemings speaks during a press conference for the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

NBA Rookies

Evaluating the top rookie performers from Salt Lake City Summer League.

Mar 25, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) looks on during a practice session ahead of the west regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

Darius Acuff Jr. has been a bright spot for the Kings' Summer League squad.

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Draft prospect Darryn Peterson poses for photos on the red carpet before the 2026 NBA draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

Jazz guard Darryn Peterson showcased a lesser-known skill Monday.

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the third pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Duke forward Cameron Boozer after he was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

Jazz' guard Darryn Peterson and Grizzlies' forward Cameron Boozer will face off tonight in SLC.

Mar 7, 2026; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard Cameron Carr (43) reacts after scoring a three-point basket against the Utah Utes during the second half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

Lakers' wing Cameron Carr continues his debut success into Game 2.

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Draft prospect Darryn Peterson poses for photos on the red carpet before the 2026 NBA draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

Jazz guard Darryn Peterson flashed stardom in his first outing.

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Draft prospect Darryn Peterson poses for photos on the red carpet before the 2026 NBA draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Newsfeed

Assessing the top players to watch in today's loaded Summer League slate.

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Draft prospect Yaxel Lendeborg poses for photos on the red carpet before the 2026 NBA draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Golden State forward Yaxel Lendeborg saw a scorching Summer League debut.

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Draft prospect Yaxel Lendeborg poses for photos on the red carpet before the 2026 NBA draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Summer League action tips off tonight.

Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) shoots Saturday, April 4, 2026, over Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) during a Final Four game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Evaluating three prospects who could land with new teams, despite just being drafted.

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the twenty second pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. after he was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Philadelphia's rookie is now joining an even more talented squad.