Jabari Parker's rehab on his way back from a torn ACL has gone better than anybody could have expected so far. Parker has been taking part in team drills without many limitations and it seems as though he is definitely on track to play in the Milwaukee Bucks regular season opener. As for when and if he will play in preseason games Parker will not play in the preseason opener against the Chicago Bulls but may play on Saturday at home against the Pistons, according to Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Parker is a native of Chicago so it would make sense if he wanted to get back for the teams preseason game there but despite having not played in Chicago yet in his career he wants to wait at least until Saturday when they are home.
"I want to wait until at least we play here in Milwaukee first, if anything, just because I want to show my loyalty; all my loyalty is in Milwaukee. I can care less about Chicago right now," said Parker.
Parker is unsure if the Bucks will allow him to suit up and play in that home opening preseason game but he is going to do a lot of work before the game just in case he does sit. Parker was expected to get some days off in training camp but he instead practiced for four straight days and was able to even play in a scrimmage where he looked very good as he dunked twice and hit two three pointers.
Parker tore his ACL in the middle of last December so if he is able to return on Saturday it will have been less than 10 months which is a very fast recovery. Typically ACL injuries take about a year but Parker has been working his tail off to get back on the court and at this point it seems all but certain he will be ready to play on opening day unless there is a setback.
Along with the addition of Greg Monroe, Parker coming back should help the Bucks improve on a very good season where they made the playoffs as the sixth seed a year ago. Parker will likely start at power forward alongside Monroe and if what his teammates are saying is any indication, he should be in for a very good season.
