Jabari Parker And The History Of Top Picks Recovering From Injury

Mar 29, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio reacts from the bench during the fourth quarter of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Timberwolves 110-88. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Ricky Rubio, PG, Minnesota Timberwolves, 2009 #5 Pick.

One of Spain’s most promising prospects ever, Rubio was curiously drafted by the Timberwolves in the 2009 Draft, but due to contractual issues he did not play a single NBA minute until the 2011 season.

When Rubio finally landed stateside he wasted no time becoming a solid starter for the Timberwolves. His play was so strong that he garnered the praise of being a Rookie of the Year candidate.  That is, until a collision with Kobe Bryant resulted in an ACL tear for the young guard.

A freak injury to be sure.

Regardless, his rookie numbers were impressive (if a touch underwhelming given his hype).

Pre-Injury Stats: 10.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 8.2 apg, .357% shooting.

As mentioned, those are not necessarily jaw-dropping numbers, but Rubio was always lauded for his passing and he clearly did that very well in his rookie season.

Rubio was not able to recover from his injury in time for the beginning of the 2012 season, but was back on the court by mid-December.

How did he fare after returning? More of the same.

Post-Injury Stats: 10.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 7.3 apg, .360% shooting.

Should Jabari Parker follow in Rubio’s mold the Bucks will have a solid, but not otherworldly player. We expect far more from Parker.

Jabari Outlook: Like trading a Miller Lite for a Bud Lite. No real difference. That’s not a good thing.

Next: Nerlens Noel