One big question for every NBA team

How will the Bucks approach Jabari Parker’s extension?

This past season Jabari Parker unfortunately sustained another torn ACL. He was in the midst of the best season of his career and had established himself as a legit secondary scorer on a competitive Bucks team. The uncertain future of Jabari Parker might be the biggest impediment to the Bucks establishing themselves as legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference.

Giannis is a superstar and projects to be an MVP level player within the next few seasons. He is obviously the most important player on the team. Parker’s injury makes building a team around Giannis much more difficult. Jabari has missed 94 games in three seasons and will miss more time as he rehabs his latest injury. Parker is now up for extension and gauging his value at this point is exceedingly difficult.

How much will the Bucks pay Jabari and what level of play will he be at when he returns? A potential Bucks championship contender could hinge on these questions. If Parker comes back fully healthy but never fulfills the potential he flashed as a secondary scorer, the Bucks will have to pivot and try to find another star to pair with Giannis. Paying Jabari big money in that case could cripple Milwaukee financially and hinder the franchise’s ability to construct a contender.