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.

Nov 5, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Caleb Holt (3) makes a lay up during the second half against the Cal Poly Mustangs at McKale Center at ALKEME Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Kansas Jayhawks guard Tyran Stokes (4) drives the ball against Fordham Rams during the game inside Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas on Nov. 2, 2026

Oct 28, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg (1) dunks against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Oct 21, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) on the floor during the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Oct 12, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Darryn Peterson (22) during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

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

Oct 16, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Washington Wizards forward AJ Dybantsa (4) brings the ball up court against New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Newsfeed

AJ Dybantsa's debut with the Wizards is in question following an ankle injury.

Oct 10, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Head shot of Miami Heat point guard Ryan Conwell (4) at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Michael Laughlin-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

The Heat, Rockets, Nuggets and more have second-round rookies that could find their footing early.

Oct 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Meleek Thomas (15) drives on Boston Celtics forward Gabe McGlothan (41) during the second half of a preseason game at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

Meleek Thomas has already seen two double-digit scoring performances for Cleveland through preseason.

Sep 25, 2026; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Zaccharie Risacher (10) poses for a photo during the Mavericks media day at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Newsfeed

Zaccharie Risacher had seen solid production in preseason with Dallas.

Oct 4, 2026; Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) Los Angeles Clippers guard Keaton Wagler (1) dribbles during the first half against the Golden State Warriors at Bankoh Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center. Mandatory Credit: Michelle Bir-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

Evaluating the top newbies to watch in today's NBA preseason action.

Sep 22, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Bruce Thornton (2) poses for a picture during media day at Hilton Americas hotel. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

Houston may already have a contributor in former Ohio State standout Bruce Thornton.

Oct 6, 2026; Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara (15) stands next to New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) during the first half of a preseason game at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

Evaluating the top rookie performances from preseason.

Oct 5, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Cameron Carr (43) dunks the ball during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

How rookies fared in Monday's preseason action.

Sep 28, 2026; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers player Cameron Carr (43) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Cameron Boozer, Darius Acuff Jr., Cameron Carr and more will play in preseason tonight.

Oct 4, 2026; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (1) defends on Utah Jazz guard Darryn Peterson (22) din the first half at CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Evaluating how players like Darryn Peterson, Keaton Wagler and more have fared in preseason so far.

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Checking in on the international talent in the '27 class.