Former Bucks forward gets emotional when talking about career change
By Dalton Sell
Jabari Parker remains one of the biggest "what ifs" in the lengthy history of the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Duke forward was selected second overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, providing hope to a franchise that needed some after many years of sorrow. Yet, Parker consistently battled injuries, which started early on with an ACL tear just 25 games into his career. During the 2016-17 season, he tore the same ACL once again, another devastating blow that featured a lengthy recovery process.
In the years that followed, Parker bounced around the NBA looking for a home but never truly found a place where he could stick. Last August, he inked a one-year deal with FC Barcelona, beginning a new career overseas. Parker was recently asked about his first year overseas, both on and off the court, and the video was simply crushing as the forward struggled even to muster a word.
Video of former Bucks forward Jabari Parker is devastating
Bucks fans can be selfish and think about how good a tandem of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Parker could have been had the latter stayed healthy. It's the nature of sports. They could have been one of the game's most lethal duos. However, there is no turning back the clock in sports. It's heartbreaking to see Parker like this, knowing that injuries may have stripped him of a great, lengthy NBA career.
Though he may never reach the star-studded heights many expected him to when he first came into the league, he could still have a career. In fact, the Bucks were aiming to get a closer look at him last off-season by inviting Parker to join their Summer League team. The forward ultimately did not play for them due to a personal family matter, but perhaps they could ring him again this off-season.
It would certainly be something to see Parker back in Milwaukee, where he started his career, even if it's just for a brief summer stint.
Above all else, we all hope Jabari Parker is doing well at this time and moving forward, as Bucks fans will be pulling for him.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.