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.

Mar 11, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; NC State Wolfpack guard Matt Able (3) drives against Pittsburgh Panthers guard Barry Dunning Jr. (22) during the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) reacts after a made basket Saturday, April 4, 2026, during a Final Four game against the Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Mar 30, 2026; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Tyran Stokes during the McDonalds All American Jam Fest at Millennium High School. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the seventh pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. after he was selected by the Sacramento Kings at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Mar 30, 2026; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cameron Williams during the McDonalds All American Jam Fest at Millennium High School. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Newsfeed

Quick scouting Cameron Williams ahead of his debut collegiate season.

May 3, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) reacts toward a fan during the first half while attending the Portland Fire and Los Angeles Sparks game at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

Newsfeed

Ranking the five best picks of the last several years by value.

Jun 2, 2026; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the NBA finals media day at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images

Newsfeed

Evaluating five of the best picks in the last several NBA Drafts.

Mar 18, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

Evaluating No. 4 pick Caleb Wilson’s fit in Chicago.

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

Evaluating Cameron Boozer’s fit with Memphis.

Feb 28, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats center Malachi Moreno (24) spins to the basket around Vanderbilt Commodores forward Jalen Washington (13) during the second half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Newsfeed

Quick scouting Malachi Moreno ahead of his sophomore season.

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

Evaluating Darryn Peterson's fit with the Utah Jazz ahead of his rookie season.

Feb 24, 2026; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard Tounde Yessoufou (24) drives to the basket against Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) during the first half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Newsfeed

Scouting Yessoufou ahead of his season with St. John's.

Feb 7, 2026; College Station, Texas, USA; Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) looks to grab a rebound during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Evaluating Florida forward Thomas Haugh ahead of his final college season.

Tennessee guard Juke Harris (2) speaks with media before a Tennessee basketball practice in Pratt Pavilion on July 23, 2026.

Quick-scouting Juke Harris ahead of a season with Tennessee.

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

Evaluating how AJ Dybantsa fits with Washington ahead of his rookie season.

Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Meleek Thomas (1) shoots the ball against the Arizona Wildcats in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Assessing three players with an outside chance at making an All-Rookie team.