When official word broke that Jabari Parker would be making his triumphant return from injury on Friday night against the New York Knicks, Bucks fans were understandably excited. After all, Parker had not appeared in an NBA game since tearing his ACL almost a year ago to the day, and even with the rapid and impressive ascent of Giannis Antetokounmpo, expectations remain quite high for the former No. 2 overall pick.
When the moment finally arrived for Parker to check in during the first quarter against the Knicks, the home crowd did not disappoint, greeting the still-recovering forward with raucous applause.
"Checking in for Milwaukee number 12, Jabari Parker." pic.twitter.com/bbHV8nPoAp
— Scott Grodsky (@ScottGrodsky) February 3, 2018
jabari parker checks in for the first time this season pic.twitter.com/N3iLzC0vUA
— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA) February 3, 2018
It was very impressive that Parker was able to return to action just a little less than a year moved from suffering a devastating injury, and in the opening moments of his season debut, he looked crisp and agile. If the Bucks can coax production out of Parker as a secondary offensive option, that would be a fantastic result. Still, Parker simply getting back on the court after a second ACL tear is both noteworthy and encouraging for his future.
The Bucks aren’t at their best without Parker in the fold, and on Friday, that became a reality once again.
