Yesterday, Milwaukee Bucks fans were ecstatic to learn that former number two overall pick Jabari Parker was going to be on the team’s NBA Summer League roster. Still just 26 years old, Parker, who did not play in 2022-23, is still young enough to make a NBA roster.
Unfortunately, his plans to join the Bucks’ Summer League team have been put on hold. Eric Nehm of The Athletic tweeted that a family situation is going to keep Parker from participating in the Summer League:
Update:
Per Bucks PR, Jabari Parker will no longer participate in Summer League with the team because of a family matter.
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) July 1, 2023
There is no indication of what the family matter is.
Jabari Parker Can Still Return to the Milwaukee Bucks
With the re-signings of Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Jae Crowder, the Bucks have nine players on their roster for 2023-24. There are two problems, however. One: they need 15. Two: assuming Crowder takes up the entire tax-payer mid-level exception, they can only use veteran minimum contracts to fill up their roster (in addition to signing their second-round picks and undrafted free agents).
If Milwaukee finds itself in dire need of a veteran forward, Parker could be a prime candidate to sign for a league minimum deal. It has been quite a few years since he was healthy enough to play a full NBA season, though. As mentioned previously, he did not play at all last season.
Prior to the 2022-23 NBA season, Parker played for the Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks, and Boston Celtics. In the four seasons in which he played after leaving Milwaukee, Parker played 64, 38, 13, and 12 games.
Not being able to participate in the Summer League hurts Parker’s chances of a NBA comeback. However, some things are more important than the game. He is already on Milwaukee’s radar, obviously. Perhaps an invite to training camp will come his way.
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