Milwaukee Bucks rookie forward Jabari Parker will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL in his left knee. The typical recovery time for such an injury is 12 to 18 months, meaning Bucks fans may not see Parker until early 2016.
This is disappointing news for Milwaukee, as the No. 2 overall pick had paired with second-year forward Giannis Antetokounmpo to form an entertaining and promising duo of building blocks this season. While the Bucks were never considered serious contenders, their surprising 13-12 start to the season was a welcome change from the consistent losing this franchise has experienced in recent seasons.
Parker was easily in contention for the Rookie of the Year award as he was averaging 12.3 points and 5.5 rebounds before his injury Monday. Either John Henson or Ersan Ilyasova will likely become the starting power forward when one of them gets healthy.
Overall though, what does Parker's injury mean for the Bucks?
"Ultimately, Parker's loss probably won't have a major impact of Milwaukee's playoff hopes," wrote ESPN's Kevin Pelton. "It could have a larger effect on the team's strategy at the trade deadline. With Parker playing heavy minutes at power forward, the Bucks could afford to shop Ilyasova or veteran backup center Pachulia in the hopes of creating more salary flexibility going forward. Now, Milwaukee may have to balance a possible playoff run against the long-term value of shedding payroll in considering potential trades. If the Bucks remain in the playoff hunt, Parker's injury might limit their activity before the trade deadline."
