Big Questions For Milwaukee Bucks In Wake Of Jabari Parker Injury

Who Replaces Jabari Parker’s Role On Offense?

Not only must Jason Kidd find a replacement for Parker’s 33.9 minutes per game, he must also find a replacement for Parker’s combined 20 shots from the field and free throw line per game.

That void may be more difficult to fill for a Milwaukee offense that wasn’t lighting the league on fire even with Parker healthy.

Khris Middleton is the most obvious recipient for an increased load on offense, as his return would have necessitated touches heading his direction anyway. Last season he took a combined 18.5 shots, not far off from Parker’s total this season.

The difference is that Middleton is coming off of a serious hamstring tear, and immediately giving him 20 shots per game in addition to defensive responsibilities seems like too much too fast for an organization that can’t afford to lose him again and still make a playoff push.

Milwaukee Bucks

Giving extra shots to Giannis Antetokounmpo is the other easy answer, although the All-Star starter was already putting up a team-high 23 combined shots per game.

With the ball in his hands most possessions, increasing his scoring load may result in increased fatigue or decreased playmaking for teammates.

The reality will be that Giannis adds a shot or two per game, Middleton steps in with a dozen, and the last handful are spread out among the other rotation players.

Rookie Malcolm Brogdon has been a revelation this season and if he can shoot another few times a game at his current efficiency that will be a boon to the Bucks. A few minutes and an extra shot for Thon Maker would not be amiss either.

No player can replace Parker’s ability to create offense, and only Antetokounmpo can match his ferocity attacking the rim. There is no reality where the Bucks’ offense is better without Parker on the court.

But with Middleton returning they can open up the court more and try to hold serve in an Eastern Conference jockeying for position.