Originally the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Jabari Parker has unfortunately been dealing with injuries through his first four seasons. Appearing in just 183 out of a possible 328 games, Parker is averaging 15.3 points and 5.5 rebounds.
As Parker is set to become a restricted free agent, he revealed the Milwaukee Bucks did not offer him an $18 million per year contract extension during the 2017-18 NBA season according to Milwaukee Basketball Hour:
“ESPN reported Milwaukee offered you $18 million per year for your contract extension. Is that true?” –@SparkyRadio “I wish” -Jabari Parker
— Milwaukee Basketball Hour (@MKEBballHour) April 12, 2018
While there is no denying the 23-year-old's talent, he is unfortunately considered a risk after appearing in just 55 percent of possible games. Although Parker returned from a torn ACL this season, his minutes have been monitored and slowly increased from February to April. In 31 appearances, he is averaging 12.6 points (48.2 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from the three-point line) and 4.9 rebounds in 24.0 minutes.
As the Bucks prepare for the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, there is an opportunity to advance with Kyrie Irving out for the remainder of the season. However, Milwaukee should not take Boston lightly as they were inconsistent throughout the regular season. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo averaging 26.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, the Bucks underachieved with a 44-38 record, seventh in the Eastern Conference.
With a fresh start in the playoffs, it will be interesting to see if Parker can have an impact in the first round. Should he be able to do so, it is possible the Bucks could offer him $18 million, but the number of years will have to be negotiated considering his injury history.
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