Worst: Jabari’s Injury
What could have been an underrated subplot to the Bucks’ season of growth and development was ruined when Jabari Parker went down with a second ACL tear in February.
This was the second such injury in the last 29 months, coming after Parker had made great strides in posting a 20.1 point, 6.2 rebound, 2.8 assists per game stat line on 37 percent three-point shooting.
The list of players who have recovered from such a situation is short, with Michael Redd and Danny Manning being the only examples of those who have suffered two ACL tears to the same knee while in the league.
Given how athletically-based Jabari’s game is, losing any bit of it would curtail him output somewhat significantly. There will also be mental hurdles to get over, as tests out his knee with the memory of it buckling under him twice.
Parker’s piece in the Player’s Tribune paints the picture of a grounded individual who knows the challenges he’ll face but won’t back down. After all, he came back better and arguably more explosive from his first surgery, which shows a dedication and work ethic that can overcome such an ailment.
The Bucks success in the last half of the season should raise spirits; the team showed they’re capable of adapting to Jabari taking on a new role once he returns.
With the winning stretch Milwaukee enjoyed when going with a smaller lineup, it ill be interesting to see how they reintegrate Parker upon his return, which could reportedly take place around the All-Star break next season.
We’ll get a sense of how the team thinks Jabari is progressing this summer, as he will be eligible for the same rookie extension that Giannis got last year. This could be an opportunity for Milwaukee to find great value or take a risk, depending on the outcome of the negotiations.
The initial shock has now more than worn off, but losing Jabari to a familiar enemy was unquestionably the worst part of the Bucks’ season.