Bulls to move Jabari Parker out of starting lineup after coaching change

Jabari Parker is moving back to the Bulls’ bench.

The Bulls are planning to replace Parker in the starting lineup with Lauri Markkanen, new coach Jim Boylen said Monday to NBC Sports Chicago. Boylen replaced the fired Fred Hoiberg earlier in the day.

Boylen says Markkanen will start against Pacers on Tuesday on @NBCSChicago with Jabari Parker coming off the bench. #Bulls
— Kelly Crull (@Kelly_Crull) December 3, 2018

Parker began the season as Chicago’s sixth man but moved into the starting lineup after the team was hit with a rash of injuries. He initially appeared unhappy about his bench role.

“It would be a huge adjustment for me,” Parker said before the season. “But I just have to change with the times.”

Parker, who signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Bulls this summer, has averaged 16.6 points and 7.4 rebounds in 32.1 minutes per game this season. He has shot just 45.5 percent from the field and 29.5 percent from 3-point range.

Markkanen missed the start of 2018-19 after spraining his elbow in late September. He scored 10 points in his season debut last weekend.

The Bulls will face the Pacers on Tuesday. They’ll carry a 5-19 record into that matchup.