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Former Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker signs with Barcelona
Former Milwaukee Bucks star Jabari Parker will get his chance to play professional basketball once again, only this time, it will not be in the NBA. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the former second overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft recently signed a one-year deal with Barcelona that is estimated to be worth $2 million. The Duke product, though, has an NBA opt-out clause that will allow him to return to the league if a better offer arises.
Unfulfilled potential
The Bucks had high hopes for the once-athletic 6-foot-8 forward. The Bucks already had Giannis Antetokounmpo at that time, and although the “Greek Freak” had yet to fully embrace his potential at that time, he and Parker represented the future of the franchise. Alas, it was not meant to be, as Parker tore his ACL in December and missed the rest of the season after playing just 25 games.
He fully recovered and even played 76 games the next season before having a breakout in the 2016-2017 season, where he averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. However, disaster struck once again as he suffered another ACL tear to the same knee he injured during his first season in the league.
Became a journeyman
Parker soon became a journeyman, playing for the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings, and Atlanta Hawks. He last played in the NBA during the 2021-2022 season as he suited up in 12 games for the Boston Celtics. He averaged just 4.4 points and 2.3 rebounds in less than 10 minutes of playing time.
