Bucks' Jabari Parker out for season with torn ACL
Milwaukee Bucks rookie forward Jabari Parker has a torn ACL in his left knee and will miss the rest of the season, two people familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday.
They requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly until the Bucks made an official announcement.
Parker sustained the injury during the third quarter of Milwaukee's win against the Phoenix Suns on Monday. The Bucks originally diagnosed Parker with a sprained left knee. But he flew back to Milwaukee for an MRI on Tuesday, and the MRI revealed the rotten news.
Parker, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft, was having a fine rookie season with the surprising 13-12 Bucks, who are coached by Jason Kidd. Parker averaged 12.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists and shot 49% from the field in 25 games.
In Monday's game, Parker was leading a fast break when his left knee buckled at the free throw line. The Bucks were hoping for a best-case scenario – a sprained knee that would sideline him but not for the rest of his rookie season.
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Parker, 19, came into the league as one of the most NBA-ready players – on and off the floor – from of the 2014 draft class and started every game this season for Milwaukee. Along with forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who turned 20 earlier this month, the Bucks have a promising young frontcourt, and they were looking to see those two develop together this season.
This is a setback the Bucks did not want or need.
The product on the court has re-invigorated a once-apathetic Bucks' fan base, and new owners Wesley Edens and Marc Lasry, with their deep pockets, have pumped energy back into the franchise.
It has been an injury-riddle season for rookies. Philadelphia's Joel Embiid, the No. 3 pick, won't play this season; No. 4 pick Aaron Gordon of the Orlando Magic is out with a fractured metatarsal in his left foot; and No. 7 pick Julius Randle of the Los Angeles Lakers broke his tibia in his right leg in the season opener and is out for the season.
Boston guard and No. 6 pick Marcus Smart, Chicago forward and No. 11 pick Doug McDermott and Charlotte forward and No. 9 pick Noah Vonleh are either injured or have missed time this season. Denver guard Gary Harris, the 19th selection, and Atlanta forward Adreian Payne, the 15th selection, have also been sidelined by injuries this season.
Sam Amick contributed to this report.