Milwaukee Bucks: Media Day Roundup 2016-17
By Adam McGee
Jabari Parker
On how he took the Middleton news:
"“Personally, it was a little bit shattering to me. He’s such an important piece for us. He brings so much on the court besides just scoring. He opens up the floor for me, because you know, their man gets hugged up and allows me to penetrate. It’s something we’re just going to have to adjust to. It sucks, but I’m going to take my responsibility in trying to help the team out to my best ability.”"
On advice he can give Middleton on dealing with injury:
"“I’ll just try to stay on him, make sure he’s staying positive. It’s kind of easy when you’re down to look on the negative side of things, but I’m going to make sure he’s in the gym every day getting his work in. I’m going to keep pushing him, because if we make the playoffs, he’s going to be the one to give us that extra boost. Just as I was around during my ACL injury, he’s going to be around during his hamstring injury trying to figure out ways that he can move in right away.”"
On how he feels about his progress this summer:
"“Just for the summer specifically, I’ve been able to increase my confidence, do things I didn’t really do in the season; like shoot the long range shot. But it’s different, you know, who knows what may happen during the season. I can’t say if I’ll be a better person or a better player, but from the summer I think my skills have increased and my confidence.”"
On speaking out on social issues:
"“It’s definitely taking a risk. A lot of people just portray an athlete as being quiet and doing what you’re supposed to do, and that’s playing basketball, but why not use your gifts and your ability and your media outlets to create awareness. It’s definitely something that I took a chance on, but I’m willing to take that chance for something that’s right, because I grew up reading Malcolm X and reading Martin Luther King. I just try to put myself in their light, and in their shoes because 30 years from now I want to be talked about as leading the next civil rights movement. I took a lot of backlash from it, but I can’t change who I am and I only stand up for what’s right.”"