The Milwaukee Bucks are one of the teams in the NBA rich in young talent. Among their valued prospects is Jabari Parker, who can get a good deal in the future to continue playing in Milwaukee. However, it is possible that his next contract is different from what his fellow rising star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, got from the Bucks. In September of 2016, Antetokounmpo inked a four-year extension contract worth $100 million.
A recent report by Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders suggested that Parker's next pact with the Bucks, either an extension or a new deal next year, may be cheaper than that of Antetokounmpo's.
Perhaps the reasons to this are the ACL injuries (left knee) he suffered in two of the past three seasons. According to Kyler, Milwaukee is open to re-signing the 22-year-old, but the price should be ideal to the franchise.
Parker's injury history
As mentioned, it seems like Milwaukee is concerned with Parker's ACL troubles. In his rookie season, Parker was off to terrific start but his year surprisingly ended with his first ACL tear, which limited him to 25 games. The former Duke Blue Devils standout came back and redeemed himself in the 2015-16 season as he saw action in 75 games. Last season, Parker was playing his best basketball so far in the NBA. He recorded career-bests in scoring, rebounding, and assists.
Unfortunately, in February, he sustained another ACL tear expected to keep him on the sidelines for one year.
Khris Middleton playing second fiddle
Another rising prospect for Milwaukee who was ravaged by injury is Khris Middleton. The guard/forward missed more than half of the team's previous campaign due to a hamstring woe, though he was impressive in his return.
A report by Behind the Buck Pass discussed the potential role of the 26-year-old for the upcoming season. Now, that he is back to a hundred percent, what will be his greatest contribution to the Bucks? According to the report, it will still be his offensive game, but as of the moment, he is just the second option.
During the 2015-16 season, Middleton led all scorers for Milwaukee as he averaged 18.2 points per contest.
However, last season in his absence, the Bucks found a new top option in Antetokounmpo. The "Greek Freak" was the team's leader in all categories on the stat sheet. He is expected to continue leading the Bucks, who are now legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference and the NBA.
