Report: Parker could return to Bucks soon

The return of JabariParker to the Milwaukee Bucks is not far off.

According to a report by Gery Woelfel of Woelfel's Press Box, Parker, who is attempting to work his way back from a second tear of his left ACL, could be back on the floor by the end of this week, maybe even as early as Friday night against the visiting New York Knicks at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

The second overall pick of the 2014 draft, the 6-foot-8, 250-pound Parker said before Milwaukee's game against Chicago on Sunday that he had a workout Saturday, playing two-on-two with teammates SeanKilpatrick, RashadVaughn and D.J.Wilson.

“The workout yesterday was good,’’ Parker said. “It was just a shootaround for the regular guys because we play today, but I just grabbed a few guys that didn’t play (on Friday night) and it was good for me and them because we could get into a flow and stay sharp and try to get better.’’

Parker, 22, was having a terrific season, averaging 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 steals in 33.9 minutes in 51 games, shooting 49 percent from the floor, when he tore his left ACL on Feb. 8 against visiting Miami.

He said Sunday he came through Saturday's workout in good shape.

“It’s pretty much normal again,’’ Parker, a Duke product, said. “The goal is to play real soon, but I haven’t been given a date yet. They will let me know during the next week when the target date is and that will give me some clarity.

“Then I can transform into the mindset that I need to compete. Right now, I’m comfortable working out, lifting, getting better. Now, I want to put it out there on the court. It’s going to be interesting.’’

After he came back from his first ACL tear, Parker admitted he was more than a bit nervous. This time, he says he's feeling much more at ease with the process.

“I’m not nervous, right now," he said. "When I get that date, then I’ll prepare myself for (it). I’m sure I’ll get some nerves then."

Parker, who averages 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.0 steals in 32.1 minutes for his career, said he's not concerned with what role Bucks interim coach JoePrunty has in store for him when he makes his return.

“I’m just waiting to see how I’m going to be moved into things," he said. "I’m really excited to see what happens.’’