Milwaukee Bucks: Players Who Will Play In Future All-Star Games

Jabari Parker

It is not unreasonable to think Jabari Parker could have made the All-Star game next season. Eastern Conference All-Stars such as Paul Millsap and Kyle Lowry may switch to teams in another Conference, while Kemba Walker or Kevin Love may not have the same quality of season next year.

But Parker went down with a torn ACL, and the near and distant future changed for Parker. His recovery is expected to take 12 months, which will put Parker’s return to the lineup around All-Star Weekend next year and thus unable to realistically factor in an All-Star appearance down the road.

Two variables swirl around Parker’s future candidacy. The first, of course, is how he looks physically after returning from his injury. Parker may have been close to an All-Star berth, but he will need to reach those same levels again, and perhaps higher, to make the roster in coming years.

The second is the success of the Milwaukee Bucks. If Parker is scoring 20 points per game and they are positioned at the fourth seed, then he may be considered for a reserve role. If he is scoring 20 points per game on a team out of the playoff picture, then it will be much more difficult to get two Bucks into the game.

On talent level alone, Parker could make three, four, five or more All-Star games. He is a versatile offensive player with a high motor and the physical gifts to dominate for years. Whether the strength of the East around him and his own physical fitness will allow him is a question for the future.