Milwaukee Bucks 2016-17 Season Review: Jabari Parker

The Best of Parker

It’s not hard to look at the numbers that Parker put up and see why the Milwaukee Bucks selected him with the second overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Parker has already shown in the early stages of his career that he can be an elite scorer and potential All-Star for years to come.

Unfortunately that doesn’t stop everyone from wondering how a second ACL tear will impact the promising career of a young superstar in the making.

Throughout the season Parker averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game with all signs pointing to the kind of breakout year many had projected. Parker added a reliable three-point shot that had been non-existent in past years at the desire of head coach Jason Kidd, shooting 36.5 percent in the 3.5 attempts per game.

That added range, ability to run the floor, cut to the basket, and attack off the dribble allowed Bucks fans the chance to see Parker at his finest at times this season.

Parker made a real impact on the court, as illustrated by his Player Impact Estimate (PIE), which not of the Key Lime variety but a statistic that measures a player’s overall statistical contribution.

With a score of 12.1, Parker ranked 20th among forwards who played at least 20 minutes per game in 50 games or more. The top-five on that last comprised of Anthony Davis (19.2), LeBron James (18.6), Kevin Durant (18.3), DeMarcus Cousins (17.8), and Milwaukee’s own unicorn Giannis Antetokounmpo (17.6) round out the top 5 in Forwards.

Looking ahead, with health and luck on their side, Giannis and Jabari could very well become the Batman and Robin of the NBA. As we know, even superheroes have their flaws, though.