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Milwaukee Bucks: 4 Things To Look For This Season

By Justin Rowan

May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 11, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) brings the ball down court during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) brings the ball down court during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Jabari Parker is healthy

It is easy to consider last season a write-off for Jabari Parker. Coming off of an ACL tear in his rookie season, it took the young forward awhile to find his rhythm once again.

We have seen an influx of young talent in the NBA over the last two seasons. With all the young promising talent around, it’s easy to forget about Parker as a potential star. The debate between he and Andrew Wiggins on draft night was legitimate.

In fact, Parker had outplayed Wiggins in his rookie season prior to his injury and Wiggins’ leap in productivity.

Parker flashed that potential once again last season after the All-Star break. The 21-year-old averaged 18.9 points and 5.5 rebounds a game after the break. Over that time he shot 49.8 percent from the floor and 32.1 percent from three.

While his offensive talents are evident, Parker will need to dedicate himself more to the defensive end of the floor. No player comes into the NBA as a good individual and team defender immediately. It takes time to develop, but defensive questions have always surrounded Parker.

He’s talented enough offensively that he will always find a place on the floor. But when you look at the power forward depth around the NBA, it’s clear that you leave yourself at a disadvantage if you cannot defend at that position.

He has been getting his body ready all summer and if he can build off that strong finish, Parker could be the difference between making and missing the playoffs.

Next: Can The Defense Return To Form?

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