After tearing his ACL twice in his three year career, Jabari Parker will make his much-anticipated season debut on Friday against the New York Knicks. Even though the talented forward has had an injury-riddled past, the talented forward averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists for the Bucks last season. He showed some excellent promise beside franchise superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo last season before suffering his second ACL tear.
Although ACL injuries have historically spelled danger for a variety of its victims, Parker is determined to get back on the court and be productive for his team. Interestingly, the 22-year old forward has a unique outlook of his career and what he believes his success lies in. In fact, according to Jordan Schultz of Yahoo Sports, Parker is not playing basketball for the fame that comes with it.
Article Continues Below“I’m not trying to be famous. I just stick to what I know best and that’s playing the game. I don’t want any attention. … All I got is my family, my friends and basketball. Basketball is the icing on the cake. Basketball is my sanctuary.”
In his third season, Parker still has a long ways to go to develop into a superstar. It is now a common belief that Parker is an exceptional NBA talent, but as his skill develops, he will be thrown into the limelight of the NBA. Contracts, adoration, and fame are all a big part of this process for growing NBA players, yet Parker doesn't seem to be focused on the trivial things.
Coming back from another serious injury, Parker is determined to do what he loves, which is play basketball. Hopefully, he can do this in a big way as he helps the Bucks launch into the postseason for the second straight year.