The Much Anticipated Return of Parker Has Finally Arrived
As it was announced Monday evening during the Bucks match up against the Sixers, Jabari Parker is set to return to action this Friday when Milwaukee takes on the Knicks at home. The announcement has created an excitement among fans as Parker adds a much needed scoring force, but also contributing to a team that needs depth now more than ever. There is still a cloud of uncertainty hanging over this story line and it is can Jabari be the dominate offensive force he once was?
Coming off a hectic two weeks where the Bucks have had their world turned upside down with the firing of Head Coach Jason Kidd, Parker might just add a familiarity that creates a sense of ease among his teammates. Although it will be nice having an extra player to add back into the mix, what can we truly expect from Parker in his return? Before tearing his ACL for the second time, Jabari was averaging 20.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Of course we know that a knee injury is nothing to take lightly and that the rust will be evident during the first few games played, but when thinking about what is best for the Bucks and Parker, he is going to want to shake that off as soon as he can.
Bucks and Parker Failed to Meet Contract Extension Last Summer
Before Parker knows it, the season will be past and time will come for his contract negotiation to begin. For a player who has shown promise with his time on the court and who has also declared his love for Milwaukee, the second half of this 2018 season will be crucial in deciding not only where Jabari ends up, but how much he will be paid. Concerns that linger around Parker are not only about his past injuries, but his ability to defend in this ever growing league. The pace is only becoming faster and the talent is becoming tougher to compete against. If Parker truly wants to stay with the team that drafted him, he needs to make a big splash and help the Bucks extend their season.
Maybe Jabari Parker comes in and shows why the majority of Milwaukee has been eagerly awaiting his return, but there is still some doubt that what the Bucks need from Jabari, is not what they will get. This isn’t saying the worst is inevitable, this is just saying that there should be a thought that the outcome may not be as good as the hype. The hope, which is much stronger than any fear that comes with Parker’s return, is what Milwaukee should hold on to. Don’t call it a comeback, lets hope we can just call it the return.
