Milwaukee Bucks: Risk and reward of a potential Jabari Parker contract extension

Stephen Curry Like Reward

Stephen Curry came into the league in 2009 and finished second in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting with season averages of 17.5 points and 5.9 assists. The next year he added to that promise, following up those high rookie marks with 18.6 points and 5.8 assists.

However during the 2011-12 season, Curry only played a total of 26 games due to injury in a lockout-shortened season. Curry appeared to have “a cloud hanging over” his NBA future, as reported at the time by the Mercury News.

"“For most of the previous two seasons, Curry’s right ankle has been a cloud hanging over his NBA career and the Warriors’ chances. He sprained the same ankle multiple times during the 2010-11 season, prompting surgery in May 2011 to repair torn ligaments. But that didn’t prevent multiple sprains during the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season. He had another surgery in April 2012 on his right ankle. And after months of rehab, he returned to action in time for training camp. He showed enough progress for the Warriors to sign him to a four-year, $44 million contract extension.”"

At the time of the signing many writers around the NBA didn’t approve of Curry’s contract extension. Today, it is thought of as a steal, and one of the main reasons behind the Warriors’ ability to re-sign the likes of Klay Thompson and Draymond Green and sign newcomer Kevin Durant.

The gamble on Curry allowed both parties to be happy. Curry was able to secure a long term guaranteed contract and the Warriors gained flexibility and a great value deal as Curry eventually secured MVP honors.

The contract numbers have changed with the new CBA, but the Bucks and Jabari Parker could find themselves in a similar situation. What happen in the next few months could potentially have a significant impact on the future of the franchise.